Family Experiences of Tissue Donation in Australia

Abstract

Context Although research exists examining the experiences of organ donor families, little is known about the specific needs of tissue donor families. Understanding family experiences in tissue donation is important to improve the process and potentially increase the number of families who consent to tissue donation. Objective To examine the experiences of recent tissue donor families and to identify potential areas for improvement of the donation process. Design Cross-sectional survey by mailed questionnaire. Setting and Participants Participants were families who had been approached by DonateWest, the coordinating organization in Western Australia, and had agreed to tissue donation. Main Outcome Measures Quantitative and qualitative analysis of data with regards to satisfaction with the approach method, reasons for consent, and appropriateness of support services. Results Seventy-seven of 140 mailed questionnaires were returned. Almost all respondents expressed satisfaction with the approach to donate, and this did not differ with the mode of approach, that is, by phone or in person. The most common reason for agreeing to donation was that it was known to be the donor's wish. The majority of respondents felt they had sufficient time and information to decide to donate, and almost all were happy with their decision and thought they had received adequate support during and after the process.