AUTHOR=Ferzola Alexander , Uriarte Jefferson , Sung Hannah C. , Anderson Naomi , Sidoti Carolyn , Van Pilsum Rasmussen Sarah E. , Downey Max , Vanterpool Karen B. , Langlee Whitney , Klitenic Samantha , Young Lisa , Cooney Carisa M. , Johnson Ieesha , Coleman Allison , Shores Jaimie T. , Segev Dorry L. , Brandacher Gerald , Gordon Elisa J. , Levan Macey L. TITLE=Public Perceptions and Information Needs of VCA Transplantation and Donation: A Mixed Methods Study JOURNAL=Transplant International VOLUME=35 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontierspartnerships.org/journals/transplant-international/articles/10.3389/ti.2022.10752 DOI=10.3389/ti.2022.10752 ISSN=1432-2277 ABSTRACT=

Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) involves transplantation of multiple tissues from a donor to a recipient (e.g., skin, muscle, bone). Little is known about the US public’s perceptions of and attitudes toward VCA organ donation. This multi-site, cross-sectional, mixed methods study involved focus groups and surveys to assess members of the general public’s attitudes about VCA, and willingness and barriers to donate VCA organs. Qualitative data were analyzed by thematic analysis; quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. In focus groups (n = 6, 42 participants), most participants were female (57%) and Black (62%) with mean age of 42.6 years. Three main themes emerged: 1) awareness and perceptions of VCA, 2) purpose of VCA donation, 3) and barriers to VCA donation. Participants had heard little about VCA and sought information about VCA donation. Participants perceived VCA as challenging their concepts of “normality” and voiced concerns that VCA would create “Frankenstein[s].” Barriers to VCA donation included disruptions to end-of-life arrangements and information gaps regarding the donation process. Participants reported moderate to high willingness to donate their hands (69%) and face (50%) Public education efforts should address the specific needs and concerns of the public to facilitate VCA donation and family authorization.