Perceived Success in Upper-Extremity Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation: A Qualitative Study

Purpose We performed a qualitative study to understand psychosocial factors associated with perceived success of upper-extremity vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). interviewed transplant recipients and their primary caregivers. Methods recruited 4 VCA caregivers for 3 them. conducted semistructured face-to-face interviews using guide that explored participants’ transplantation experiences. Topics included comparison pretransplant posttransplant expectations, reflections on contributing the experience, rehabilitation functioning. thematic analysis produced list themes, subthemes, proposed hypotheses explaining how themes related study’s guiding questions. Results Participants described several as including developing realistic expectations about function lifelong immunosuppression, support from one’s community particularly caregiver, framing experience in positive light. Social, aesthetic, other values unique hands, opposed prosthetics, motivated undergo despite its inherent risk uncertainties. Conclusions Despite challenges, undergoing was viewed worthwhile regain benefits hands. met challenges process through setting strong social support, perspective. Clinical relevance Findings this work may help clinicians prospective patients prepare set appropriate VCA.