Experiences of Potential Living Donors Who Withdrew From Liver Donor Evaluation: A Qualitative Study

Understanding the psychological, emotional, and managerial challenges faced by potential donors is essential for the proper management of the living donor evaluation process, and appropriate solutions need to be developed for these challenges. This study aimed to explore the experiences of potential liver donors who voluntarily withdrew from the living donor evaluation process.

A phenomenological qualitative design was employed. Ten participants who had voluntarily withdrawn from the living donor evaluation process were interviewed. Three main themes were identified: (1) Experiences Related to the Evaluation Process, (2) Reasons for the Withdrawal Decision, and (3) Recommendations regarding the potential donor evaluation process.

Positive experiences included adequate information sharing, emotional support, psychiatric consultations, and support from hospital staff. Negative experiences focused on prolonged waiting times, psychological and emotional barriers, systemic and organizational issues. Key reasons for withdrawal included concerns about health and surgical risks, family responsibilities, psychological unpreparedness, and organizational difficulties experienced throughout the evaluation process. Participants suggested accelerating hospital procedures, improving communication with specialists, offering accommodation during the evaluation process, and increasing public awareness about organ donation.

The findings emphasize the need to improve the living donor evaluation process. Prioritizing donor candidates, expediting procedures, and developing donor support programs that address physical, emotional, financial, and systemic needs may enhance the effectiveness of living donor transplantation.