Decision making around living and deceased donor kidney transplantation

A qualitative study exploring the importance of expected relationship changes

Journal article (2012)

Authors

Ingrid B. De Groot Leiden University Medical Center
Karen Schipper Amsterdam UMC
S. van Dijk Leiden University Medical Center
Paul J.M. van der Boog Leiden University Medical Center
A.M. Stiggelbout Leiden University Medical Center
Andrzej G. Baranski Leiden University Medical Center
P.J. Marang-van de Mheen Leiden University Medical Center
Research Group
Safety and Security Science (TPM) (TU Delft)
Decision making Expectations Kidney transplantation Donor-recipient relationship
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Published Date

2012

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Technology, Policy and Management

Department

Values Technology and Innovation

Research Group

Safety and Security Science

Abstract

Background: Limited data exist on the impact of living kidney donation on the donor-recipient relationship. Purpose of this study was to explore motivations to donate or accept a (living donor) kidney, whether expected relationship changes influence decision making and whether relationship changes are actually experienced. Methods. We conducted 6 focus groups in 47 of 114 invited individuals (41%), asking retrospectively about motivations and decision making around transplantation. We used qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze the focus group transcripts. Results: Most deceased donor kidney recipients had a potential living donor available which they refused or did not want. They mostly waited for a deceased donor because of concern for the donors health (75%). They more often expected negative relationship changes than living donor kidney recipients (75% vs. 27%, p=0.01) who also expected positive changes. Living donor kidney recipients mostly accepted the kidney to improve their own quality of life (47%). Donors mostly donated a kidney because transplantation would make the recipient less dependent (25%). After transplantation both positive and negative relationship changes are experienced. Conclusion: Expected relationship changes and concerns about the donors health lead some kidney patients to wait for a deceased donor, despite having a potential living donor available. Further research is needed to assess whether this concerns a selected group.