The Chauvet Workgroup: A Resource for the Psychosocial Aspects of Reconstructive Transplantation

Psychosocial predictors in upper-extremity vascularized composite allotransplantation: A qualitative study of multidimensional experiences including patients, healthcare professionals, and close relatives

“…We have found that while teamwork is one of the most rewarding aspects of VCA, it can also be one of the most difficult parts. Groups such as the International Society for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, the American Society for Reconstructive Transplantation, and the Chauvet Workgroup, all provide collaboration internationally to help educate ourselves within this small field ( Jowsey-Gregoire et al, 2016 ; Kumnig et al, 2022 ). Furthermore, the International Registry on Hand and Composite Tissue Transplantation provides a superb repository of data that can further encourage collaboration ( Kumnig et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Accordingly, while immunological, biomechanical, and medical factors are important determinants of transplant outcomes, psychosocial factors also play critical roles. Due to the small number of performed UE VCA cases and the heterogeneous screening and follow-up protocols, few studies of psychosocial predictors of outcomes have been performed worldwide; hence, our understanding of this topic is limited ( Kumnig et al, 2012 , 2013 ; Singh et al, 2015 , 2016 ; Jowsey-Gregoire et al, 2016 ; Heineman et al, 2020 ; Bound Alberti et al, 2022 ; Kumnig et al, 2022 ), although, several transplant centers worldwide have developed specific VCA programs ( Kumnig et al, 2013 ). Recent research (e.g., Heineman et al, 2020 ; Kinsley et al, 2022 ) provides a good understanding of functional and sensory, and psychosocial outcomes ( Kumnig et al, 2014 ).…”

Psychosocial and bioethical challenges and developments for the future of vascularized composite allotransplantation: A scoping review and viewpoint of recent developments and clinical experiences in the field of vascularized composite allotransplantation

“…The Chauvet workgroup has been convened with membership from a number of transplant centers to address these issues and to call for ongoing global research collaboration. A multicenter research network, a consortium of collaborating VCA centers, would share similar evaluation approaches so that meaningful research on psychosocial variables could inform the transplant community and patients about psychosocial factors relevant for optimal VCA outcomes ( Kumnig et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Although international collaboration has been an essential part in the history of VCA, it is still difficult to share experiences and to bring different perspectives together. Thus, the concept of an international platform for experts (e.g., Chauvet Research Group; Kumnig et al, 2022 ) and patients could lay the foundation to provide this essential global connectivity.…”

“…However, this transition has occurred without a detailed, comprehensive, and objective investigation of psychosocial and bioethical factors ( Kumnig et al, 2012 , 2014a , b ; Kumnig and Jowsey-Gregoire, 2016 ). Ensuring that psychosocial and bioethical implications of VCA transplants are established within the VCA field is highly important; however, standardized protocols for the evaluation and follow-up VCA patients are still evolving ( Kumnig et al, 2022 ). VCA procedures are primarily life-saving, such that quality of life (QOL) comprises central outcomes.…”