title: The psychological assessment of candidates for reconstructive hand transplantation.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Psychology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria. martin.kumnig@i-med.ac.at
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kumnig
authors.forename: Sheila G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Jowsey
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rumpold
authors.forename: Annemarie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Weissenbacher
authors.forename: Theresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hautz
authors.forename: Timm O
authors.initials: TO
authors.lastname: Engelhardt
authors.forename: Gerald
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Brandacher
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gabl
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ninkovic
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rieger
authors.forename: Bernhard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zelger
authors.forename: Bettina
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zelger
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Blauth
authors.forename: Raimund
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Margreiter
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pierer
authors.forename: Johann
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pratschke
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schneeberger
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001317:Austria; D001828:Body Image; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D063987:Hand Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires