Perspectives on organ and tissue donation among Chinese Canadians

Organ and tissue transplantation offers great potential for improving quality of life and reducing health care costs associated with end-stage organ failure. However, substantial and persistent shortages of organs and tissues for transplantation exist in Canada and there is a growing gap between those on transplant waiting lists and the organs available for transplantation. Every Canadian should have the opportunity to consider organ and tissue donation and transplantation in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner. During consultation with the Chinese Canadian community in Toronto, it was found that a clear understanding of the attitudes and values of Chinese Canadians regarding organ and tissue donation could assist health professionals in making ethnoculturally sensitive requests for donation to members of this community.