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Increasing family consent for organ donation: findings and challenges
1University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo., USA.
Abstract:
There is a growing disparity between the number of organs and tissues needed for transplantation and the number available for donation. As a result, thousands of people die every year while waiting for a transplant. Much of the shortage can be explained by the failure of families to consent to donation. This paper reviews the research that has been conducted to elucidate reasons why families deny consent. This research, together with theoretically motivated research in the areas of persuasion and behavior change, can be used to inform the design of educational and promotional campaigns and to guide policy decisions.
Insights
Thousands die yearly awaiting organ transplants due to low consent rates for donation. This review examines reasons for family refusal and suggests strategies for improving organ donation consent.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- A significant gap exists between the demand for transplantable organs and tissues and their availability.
- This organ shortage leads to thousands of preventable deaths annually.
- A primary driver of this shortage is the failure of families to consent to organ donation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing research on the reasons behind families denying consent for organ donation.
- To synthesize findings with theories of persuasion and behavior change.
- To inform the development of educational campaigns, promotional strategies, and policy decisions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating reasons for donation consent denial.
- Integration of theoretical frameworks from persuasion and behavior change research.
Main Results:
- Identified key factors influencing family consent decisions.
- Highlighted the potential for evidence-based interventions to increase consent rates.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the barriers to organ donation consent is crucial.
- Targeted educational and promotional campaigns, informed by research and behavioral science, can improve organ donation rates.
- Policy adjustments may be necessary to support increased donation.