Should a caregiver's QoL be considered in decisions about whether a patient has an experimental double-hand transplant?

Abstract

A goal of hand and upper extremity transplantation is to return motor and sensory function to an amputee. Given the integral roles of one's hands in activities of daily living and social interaction, however, restoring psychosocial well-being should also be a priority. Based on the authors' experience, double-hand transplantation success depends significantly on strong social support, physical rehabilitation, medication adherence, and social integration. Because caregiving is demanding, tasks should be distributed among members of a patient's family and social network. This article analyzes how to respond to an overwhelmed caregiver by drawing on solid organ transplant literature about caregiver fatigue.