title: Attitudes toward organ donation among waitlisted transplant patients: results of a cross-sectional survey.
abstract: Organ shortage remains a major barrier to transplantation. While many efforts have focused on educating the general population regarding donation, few studies have examined knowledge regarding donation and donor registration rates among waitlisted candidates. We aimed to determine waitlisted patients' willingness to donate, elucidate attitudes surrounding organ allocation, and identify barriers to donation. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to assess demographics, knowledge regarding organ donation, and attitudes regarding the allocation process. Responses from 225 of 579 (39%) waitlisted patients were collected. Seventy-one respondents (32%) were registered donors, while 64 patients (28%) noted no interest in participating in donation. A total of 19% of respondents felt their medical treatment would change by being a donor, while 86 patients (38%) felt their condition precluded them from donation. Forty patients (18%) felt they should be prioritized on the waitlist if they agreed to donate. A minority of patients (28%) reported discussion of organ donation with their physician. Waitlisted candidates constitute a population of willing, although often unregistered, organ donors. Moreover, many endorse misconceptions regarding the allocation process and their donation eligibility. In a population for which transplantation is not always possible, education is needed regarding organ donation among waitlisted patients, as this may enhance donation rates.
authors: Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
authors: Jonathan
authors: J
authors: Merola
authors: Section of General Surgery, Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. Kevin.Pei@yale.edu.
authors: Kevin Y
authors: KY
authors: Pei
authors: Section of Transplantation and Immunology, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
authors: Manuel I
authors: MI
authors: Rodriguez-Davalos
authors: Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
authors: Geliang
authors: G
authors: Gan
authors: Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
authors: Yanhong
authors: Y
authors: Deng
authors: Section of Transplantation and Immunology, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
authors: David C
authors: DC
authors: Mulligan
authors: Section of General Surgery, Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
authors: Kimberly A
authors: KA
authors: Davis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012042:Registries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000600:supply & distribution; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014850:Waiting Lists
keywords: organ donation; patient education; reciprocity; transplantation; waitlist