Reconstructive Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation: Qualitative Approach to Enhance Patient-Reported Outcome Metrics and the Candidate Screening Process
Abstract
Hand transplantation (also known as upper extremity vascularized composite allotransplantation, or UE VCA) can potentially restore function and improve quality of life (QOL) for affected individuals. Over the last two decades, science has focused on improving this treatment, and people are finding more success with this surgery. However, the science is less clear on who are the best candidates for this type of surgery. Also, so far doctors have focused mostly on the medical parts of the surgery but have focused less on how recipients feel about their QOL with their new hands/arms. UE VCA is different from solid organ transplantation (e.g., kidney transplant). Patients who want UE transplants must be resilient, highly motivated, and determined to succeed in ways that are not required of solid organ transplant recipients. Psychological evaluation before the surgery is important, but scientists do not yet know the most important questions to ask patients. The proposed research intends to take what we know from studying amputees and other organ transplant patients to study people who receive hand transplants. This will also help doctors know what makes someone a good candidate for hand transplantation. The purpose of this project is to understand QOL before and after UE VCA, and to understand what factors make someone a good candidate for this surgery. This project addresses the FY17 Reconstructive Transplant Research Program (RTRP) Qualitative Research Award Focus Area: "Psychosocial considerations and challenges associated with VCA." To date, 13 focus groups with VCA stakeholders from a wide variety of specialties and backgrounds have been completed. Individual interviews have been completed with seven patient participants, including both bilateral and unilateral UE VCA recipients and one candidate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1191312
Entities
People
- Annamarie Horan
- L. Scott Levin
- Mary Dooley
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania