The exchange of letters between children and adolescents hospitalized for BMT offers a vital opportunity for social interaction in an environment that values isolation. This restriction, linked to the physical symptoms expected by the treatment, favors discouragement, apathy, and emotional dullness. This way of communication can play a fundamental role in the emotional well-being of these patients, providing them a safe and meaningful way to express feelings, share experiences, and maintain connections. This study evaluates the benefits of this practice on the emotional state and perception of social support during the BMT inpatient period.

Is to analyze the impact of exchanging letters among children and adolescents undergoing BMT, considering their benefits during hospitalization.

This was an experience report, performed in a private hospital in São Paulo, during the period from January 2021 to January 2024. This study analyzed the first 28 exchanges of letters between children and adolescents 4-17 years of age, hospitalized for autologous and allogeneic BMT. Hospital psychology was responsible for facilitating this communication, analyzing case by case, and selecting patients with common characteristics, such as: age, diagnoses, family support network, and treatment timing. The letters were laminated and sanitized to ensure safety. The content of the letters was categorized and qualitatively analyzed to identify recurring themes, emotional expressions and forms of support expressed.

This exchange of letters promoted a significant increase in the perception of social support and emotional decompression during hospitalization. The letters were perceived by the team as a source of emotional comfort, encouragement, and human connection, helping to mitigate the negative effects of hospital isolation. Common themes included expressions of love, hope, and gratitude, as well as shared experiences, and plans related to the future. Procedures inherent to hospitalization, such as dressing changes and nasoenteral tube placement, were motivated by other children,increasing adherence and effectiveness. Hospital psychology was able to provide guidance and emotional support to children and their families during the process of writing and receiving letters.

The exchange of letters between children hospitalized for BMT and their families represents an effective psychosocial intervention to promote well-being during hospitalization. This study highlights the importance of simple strategies, such as written communication, in promoting mental and emotional health in adverse health contexts. The integration of hospital psychology in this process is crucial to ensure that the emotional needs of patients and their families are adequately met. Future research may further explore the therapeutic potential of this intervention and its applicability in other clinical contexts.