Study Design
We performed a convergent mixed-methods study of uterus transplant
recipients that concurrently gathered qualitative data through open
ended interview questions and quantitative data from medical records and
closed ended interview questions.11 Semi-structured
interviews were conducted using an interview guide that was grounded in
two theoretical frameworks: Leventhal’s illness representations and
Kleinman’s explanatory models of disease.12, 13 These
frameworks were chosen to assess how UTx recipients understand,
experience, and cope with infertility and approach the decision-making
process for UTx. The interview guide was reviewed by content experts in
solid organ transplantation, ethics, ob-gyn, psychology, and uterus
transplantation at BUMC, as well as members of the International Society
of Uterus Transplantation and the United States Uterus Transplant
Consortium. 14 The final interview guide consisted of
13 questions that addressed the experience of infertility, the
experience with UTx, and general perceptions of UTx.8(Appendix 1) It was pilot tested with two uterus transplant nurse
coordinators. Additionally, participants were asked to add any comments
on topics that were important to them but not addressed in the
interview.