TY - JOUR
T1 - The psychological assessment of candidates for reconstructive hand transplantation
AU - Kumnig, Martin
AU - Jowsey, Sheila G.
AU - Rumpold, Gerhard
AU - Weissenbacher, Annemarie
AU - Hautz, Theresa
AU - Engelhardt, Timm O.
AU - Brandacher, Gerald
AU - Gabl, Markus
AU - Ninkovic, Marina
AU - Rieger, Michael
AU - Zelger, Bernhard
AU - Zelger, Bettina
AU - Blauth, Michael
AU - Margreiter, Raimund
AU - Pierer, Gerhard
AU - Pratschke, Johann
AU - Schneeberger, Stefan
PY - 2012/5
Y1 - 2012/5
N2 - Standardized psychological assessment of candidates for reconstructive hand transplantation (RHT) is a new approach in transplantation medicine. Currently, international guidelines and standardized criteria for the evaluation are not established. Patients suffering from the loss of a hand or an upper extremity have to cope with multiple challenges. For a selected group of patients, RHT represents an option for restoring natural function and for regaining daily living independence. The identification of at-risk patients and those requiring ongoing counseling due to poor coping or limited psychological resources are the primary focus of the psychological assessment. We have developed the 'Innsbruck Psychological Screening Program for Reconstructive Transplantation (iRT-PSP)' which utilizes a semi-structured interview and standardized psychological screening procedures and continuous follow-up ratings. Between January 2011 and October 2011, four candidates were evaluated using the iRT-PSP. Psychological impairments including social withdrawal, embarrassment, reduced self-esteem, and a depressive coping style were identified and poor quality of life was reported. The motivation for transplantation was diverse, depending on many factors such as bi- or unilateral impairment, native or accidental loss of hand, and social integration.
AB - Standardized psychological assessment of candidates for reconstructive hand transplantation (RHT) is a new approach in transplantation medicine. Currently, international guidelines and standardized criteria for the evaluation are not established. Patients suffering from the loss of a hand or an upper extremity have to cope with multiple challenges. For a selected group of patients, RHT represents an option for restoring natural function and for regaining daily living independence. The identification of at-risk patients and those requiring ongoing counseling due to poor coping or limited psychological resources are the primary focus of the psychological assessment. We have developed the 'Innsbruck Psychological Screening Program for Reconstructive Transplantation (iRT-PSP)' which utilizes a semi-structured interview and standardized psychological screening procedures and continuous follow-up ratings. Between January 2011 and October 2011, four candidates were evaluated using the iRT-PSP. Psychological impairments including social withdrawal, embarrassment, reduced self-esteem, and a depressive coping style were identified and poor quality of life was reported. The motivation for transplantation was diverse, depending on many factors such as bi- or unilateral impairment, native or accidental loss of hand, and social integration.
KW - composite tissue
KW - defense mechanism
KW - hand transplantation
KW - immunosuppression
KW - motivation
KW - psychological assessment
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84859715438&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84859715438&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2012.01463.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2012.01463.x
M3 - Article
C2 - 22448727
AN - SCOPUS:84859715438
SN - 0934-0874
VL - 25
SP - 573
EP - 585
JO - Transplant International
JF - Transplant International
IS - 5
ER -