Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Medical Sociology
• Transplantation Studies

Context:

• Organ donation and transplantation are complex medical procedures with significant social and emotional dimensions.
• Public discourse often overlooks the deeper meanings associated with organ sharing for donors, recipients, and their families.
• The historical promotion of organ donation and transplantation since the 1970s warrants examination of its broader societal impact.

Purpose:

• To explore the social component of organ donation and transplantation.
• To investigate the meaning of organ donation within the mourning process for deceased donors' families.
• To understand the therapeutic significance of transplantation for recipients and the relationships formed.

Summary:

• Examines the trend of organ donation and transplantation promotion since the 1970s.
• Critiques the limitations of a purely biomedical approach to transplantation for patients.
• Investigates the potential for recognizing the relational aspects created by organ transplantation between donors and recipients.

Impact:

• Highlights the social and emotional significance of organ donation and transplantation.
• Advocates for a more holistic understanding of transplantation that includes social and relational factors.
• Provides insights into the lived experiences of individuals involved in organ sharing, informing policy and practice.