Ethical Factors Impacting Patients' Decisions to Pursue VCA
Abstract
Hand and upper limb transplantation (a form of vascularized composite allotransplantation, or VCA) is a newer treatment option that aims to restore motor and mobility function and sensation of the hand/arm. Upper extremity (UE) transplantation raises multiple ethical issues, particularly, about informed consent. The overall long-term objective of the proposed study is to optimize the informed consent process for people with upper limb amputations. The proposed study aims to: 1) Qualitatively assess the decision making and informed consent processes for hand transplantation; 2) Develop prototype educational materials (video, website, question prompt sheet) that provide patient-centered information to enhance understanding and reduce undue influence to pursue hand transplantation, and are sensitive to different levels of dysfunction, residual limbs, health literacy, and different racial/ethnic groups; and 3) Formatively evaluate the educational materials through usability testing on people with upper limb amputations and UE VCA candidates understanding, satisfaction, and usability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1190471
Entities
People
- Daniel Warren
- Elisa J Gordon
- Gerald Brandacher
- Macey Henderson Levan
- Scott Tintle
Organizations
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine
- Johns Hopkins University
- Northwestern University
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center