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.