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Published on: June 17, 2020
Living kidney donor advocacy program: a quality improvement project
Marcia Sue Dewolf Bosek1, Isabelle L Sargeant
1Department of Nursing, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA. marcia.bosek@uvm.edu
JONA'S Healthcare Law, Ethics and Regulation
|February 28, 2012
Summary
Living kidney donors reported high satisfaction and no threats to their rights after the implementation of advocate programs. These programs provide essential support and ensure ethical care throughout the donation journey.
Area of Science:
- Transplant Surgery
- Nephrology
- Bioethics
Background:
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mandated living donor advocate programs in 2007 to safeguard living organ donors.
- These programs aim to provide comprehensive care and support for individuals donating a kidney.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of establishing a living donor advocate program.
- To identify the ethical commitments and perceived threats experienced by living kidney donors.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative data.
- Data were collected through donor-advocate consultations and the Living Donor Satisfaction Survey.
- Thirteen living kidney donors participated in the study.
Main Results:
- No threats to donor rights were identified by donors or advocates.
- Motivations for donation included altruism (nonrelated donors) and family connection (related donors).
- A majority of donors experienced positive emotional and spiritual changes, expressing high satisfaction with their decision and the advocacy program.
Conclusions:
- Living donor advocacy programs appear effective in ensuring donor rights and satisfaction.
- Further research is recommended to explore the advocate's role in informed consent, particularly concerning spousal involvement and potential threats to donor rights.
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