Interaction of organ donor families and recipients

An exploratory descriptive study of donor families and recipients of cadaveric organs was done to determine their feelings about direct contact with each other. Direct contact was desired by 70% of donor families and 75% of recipients. Donor families wanted to see firsthand the benefit of the transplant to another person. Recipients primarily wanted to express gratitude. Both groups think they have a right to meet. Although both think these interactions should be professionally regulated and facilitated, they do not think the transplant center or the organ procurement organization is responsible for the outcome of a meeting. Donor families and recipients think the process should be gradual with prior correspondence. On the basis of our findings, we have developed a list of suggested guidelines to use when facilitating an interaction.