Evaluation of an Innovative Informed Consent Support Program for Individuals Considering a Living Kidney Donation

Regulations require that consent be obtained before accepting a kidney donation, and respect for the competent adult requires the living donor to think, decide, and act freely, without any form of pressure or coercion. This article describes the results of a program, Les Compagnons de la Donation (Donation Companions), that attempts to meet these needs. A descriptive, non-experimental study was conducted to evaluate the degree of participant satisfaction and the program's influence on consent. Thirty-nine (n = 39) potential donors took part in the study. For each of the items evaluated, the mean change of participants pre- and post-intervention perception was statistically significant. The change was even more marked for feeling informed or prepared compared to being convinced or confident about the decision. Almost all participants strongly agreed the program was satisfactory. This study demonstrated a structured program, such as the Les Compagnons de la Donation program, meets the needs of the target audience and appears to provide significant support to the decision-making process.