Organ donation and hospital chaplains. Attitudes, beliefs, and concerns

The attitudes, religious issues, and participation level of 110 practicing hospital chaplains concerning cadaver-organ donation are considered. Chaplains are identifying with the emotional aspects of organ donation, in particular the grief and emotional trauma of the grieving family. Donor rates of minority groups are discussed from the perspective of religious traditions and myths. Religious questions of next of kin are investigated, and recommendations are made for a comprehensive approach to cadaver-organ procurement.