Perceptions and Potential Barriers of Personnel Involved in Xenotransplant Research

Introduction: In order to facilitate personnel involvement in novel xenotransplantation research, we characterize perceptions and identify barriers of healthcare staff participation in these innovative cases. Methods: An IRB-approved anonymous Qualtrics survey was distributed to eligible healthcare staff and volunteers involved in any of 4 brain-dead decedent xenotransplant cases at an academic medical center. Results: 58 participants were eligible for participation. There were 42 (72%) respondents, but 2 were excluded for incomplete surveys; 40 were included for analysis. 48% of respondents had no previous exposure to the field of xenotransplantation prior to these cases, and 70% learned about it either internally or in the media/public sources. 58% were only involved in the heart cases and 38% were involved in both kidney and heart xenotransplant cases. 73% of respondents volunteered their time outside of scheduled shifts. The majority of respondents reported their motivations to participate were to advance science (98%), expand the organ donor pool (98%), learn about xenotransplantation (95%), and fulfill personal and/or career goals (73%). 26% of respondents had apprehensions to participate due to the potential risk of zoonosis, 18% had concerns related to time commitment, and 10% had apprehensions related to animal rights. The majority reported no barriers to participation in future xenotransplantation research (68%). With regard to respondents’ perceived contributions, 78% felt they impacted the overall success of the xenotransplant cases, 91% felt they impacted progress towards implementation of xenotransplantation in clinical practice, and 78% felt participation impacted their personal/career goals. 90% of respondents were satisfied with their level of involvement and 98% are likely to participate in future xenotransplant cases. Conclusion: This study identified motivations, apprehensions, and potential barriers for providers and staff to participate in xenotransplantation research. Most participants reported a positive experience and expressed interest in future participation in xenotransplant research, which supports broadening personnel involvement in this work.Supported by Lung Biotechnology, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Therapeutics.