Date Completed
Spring 2026
Abstract
Pediatric patients recovering after hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) often experience persistent fatigue, physical deconditioning, cognitive changes, and decreased participation after discharge. Fatigue is complex and multidimensional, making it difficult for children to understand, communicate, and manage as they return to school, play, social activities, and daily life. Occupational therapists are well positioned to support participation, activity pacing, caregiver education, and health management for children recovering after HSCT.
This capstone project addressed the need for developmentally appropriate fatigue management resources through the creation of multiple deliverables. The primary deliverable was the 5-Zone Pediatric Energy and Fatigue Scale (5-PET), which is a visual, occupation-based tool that is designed to help children ages 6-18 understand and communicate energy levels during activity. Additional deliverables included a comprehensive caregiver and clinician handbook, six caregiver education video modules, and a brief child/family handout. These resources focused on graded return to activity, managing fatigue through pacing, energy conservation, and carryover across clinic and home settings.
Clinician feedback from Boston Children's therapy staff was used to evaluate and refine the 5-PET. Results showed strong support for clinical use and informed revisions to visuals, wording, body cues, and more fatigue-focused language. These resources highlight occupational therapy's important role in promoting participation, self-management, and family-centered care for pediatric patients recovering from HSCT.
Document Type
Capstone
First Advisor
Gabrielle Petruccelli
Second Advisor
John Wilcox
Third Advisor
Christopher Goodman
College or School
CHHS
Department or Program
Occupational Therapy
Recommended Citation
Kershaw, Annelie Claire, "Breaking the Boom-Bust Cycle: Supporting Pediatric Fatigue and Participation After HSCT using the 5-PET and Caregiver Education" (2026). OTD Capstones. 12.
https://scholars.unh.edu/otd_capstones/12