title: Needs assessment for those donating to stem cell research.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess information needs and decision making among couples donating embryos for stem cell research from outside programs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative and quantitative interview report.
  
  
  METHODS
  Academic medical center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-five couples donating embryos to stem cell research.
  
  
  METHODS
  Likert scales were used to assess whether participants regarded embryos as children and whether donation was analogous to organ or blood donation. Use of counseling, consideration of disposition options, and value of the interview were assessed. Recorded responses were analyzed for themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average length of cryopreservation was 4.8 years. Twenty percent of the embryos were created with donor gametes; 53% of respondents viewed embryos as completely different from children; 31% and 27% considered embryo donation "identical" to organ and blood donation, respectively; 47% chose stem cell research to help others; 96% had not sought counseling in making their decision; and 20% were told they could not donate embryos to other couples.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although many couples had questions/concerns regarding disposition, few sought formal counseling. Outside programs may unnecessarily limit the option of donation to other couples. Guidelines are needed to ensure that couples making embryo disposition decisions are properly informed of all options, that third-party gamete issues are addressed, and that psychological support is offered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA.
authors.forename: Julianne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zweifel
authors.forename: Mindy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Christianson
authors.forename: Ami S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Jaeger
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Olive
authors.forename: Steven R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Lindheim
mesh_terms: D003710:Demography; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011247:Pregnancy; D044469:Racial Groups; D013234:Stem Cells; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*