Public Perceptions and Information Needs of VCA Transplantation and Donation: A Mixed Methods Study
Abstract
Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) involves transplantation of multiple tissues from a donor to a recipient (e.g., skin, muscle, bone). Little is known about the US public’s perceptions of and attitudes toward VCA organ donation. This multi-site, cross-sectional, mixed methods study involved focus groups and surveys to assess members of the general public’s attitudes about VCA, and willingness and barriers to donate VCA organs. Qualitative data were analyzed by thematic analysis; quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. In focus groups (n = 6, 42 participants), most participants were female (57%) and Black (62%) with mean age of 42.6 years. Three main themes emerged: 1) awareness and perceptions of VCA, 2) purpose of VCA donation, 3) and barriers to VCA donation. Participants had heard little about VCA and sought information about VCA donation. Participants perceived VCA as challenging their concepts of “normality” and voiced concerns that VCA would create “Frankenstein[s].” Barriers to VCA donation included disruptions to end-of-life arrangements and information gaps regarding the donation process. Participants reported moderate to high willingness to donate their hands (69%) and face (50%) Public education efforts should address the specific needs and concerns of the public to facilitate VCA donation and family authorization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Nov 14, 2022
- Source ID
- 10.3389/ti.2022.10752
Entities
People
- Alexander Ferzola
- Allison Coleman
- Carisa M. Cooney
- Carolyn Sidoti
- Dorry Segev
- Elisa J Gordon
- Gerald Brandacher
- Hannah C. Sung
- Ieesha Johnson
- Jaimie T. Shores
- Jefferson Uriarte
- Karen B. Vanterpool
- Lisa Young
- Macey L. Levan
- Max Downey
- Naomi Anderson
- Samantha Klitenic
- Sarah E Van Pilsum Rasmussen
- Whitney Langlee
Organizations
- United States Department of Defense