Jehovah’s Witness Patients: Interventions for Successful Stem Cell Transplantation Without Blood Product Transfusions for Hematologic Malignancies

Background: Jehovah’s Witnesses are members of a religion that prohibits them from accepting blood product transfusions. This refusal makes them a particularly compelling population in the context of hematologic malignancies and stem cell transplantation, because blood product transfusions are a mainstay of supportive treatment.

Objectives: This article presents preventive and supportive measures allowing Jehovah’s Witness patients the opportunity to receive a stem cell transplantation without blood product transfusions.

Methods: A literature review was done that included evidence focusing on optimizing hematopoiesis, blood loss prevention, alterations in chemotherapy regimens, and implications for nursing practice.

Findings: With proper preventive and supportive care measures, Jehovah’s Witness patients can receive stem cell transplantations for hematologic malignancies without blood product transfusions.