Setting up a Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Unit

Abstract

Setting up a Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) unit is a multifaceted activity which requires the transplant physician to wear the hats of a strategist, architect, engineer, project manager, and provider. There are many ways to establish a unit based on the resources and expertise available locally. The residency program in hematology provides little help in equipping a physician with the necessary management skills to establish a program from scratch. Hence a document to navigate through this process becomes vital, especially for a country which is in the early expanding phase of providing transplant services. This article attempts to provide a basic overview to establish a sustainable model which can also be shared with administrators to make them understand the requirements for HSCT. This review highlights the importance of planning the physical infrastructure (with particular emphasis on layout, design, civil work, zoning, and HVAC), personnel, equipment, financial resources, data collection, quality management, legal requirements, and accreditation processes.KeywordsPlanningBone marrow transplant unitStem cellHSCT roomAir qualityAccreditation