What Hand Transplantation Teaches Us About Embodiment

Area of Science:

• Medical Sociology
• Philosophy of Medicine
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Assessing quality of life (QoL) is crucial for hand transplantation (HTx) stakeholders.
• Current QoL assessments in HTx lack adequate definition and measurement frameworks.
• A deeper understanding of lived experiences can enhance QoL evaluation in HTx.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore a phenomenological account of the lived body for a holistic QoL assessment in HTx.
• To identify key factors shaping QoL through meaningful orientation in the context of HTx.
• To propose an enhanced framework for understanding QoL in hand transplant recipients.

Main Methods:

• Phenomenological inquiry into the lived body.
• Analysis of meaningful orientation in human interaction with the world and others.
• Examination of temporality, embodiment, and intersubjectivity as components of QoL.

Main Results:

• Holistic QoL is developed through meaningful orientation in interactions.
• Temporality (past/future influencing present satisfaction) shapes QoL.
• Embodiment (attunement to the world) and intersubjectivity (social relationships) are critical factors in QoL.

Conclusions:

• A phenomenological approach offers a richer understanding of QoL in HTx.
• Integrating temporality, embodiment, and intersubjectivity can improve QoL assessment.
• This framework provides a more comprehensive view of patient well-being post-hand transplantation.