Overcoming Families' Fears and Concerns in the Donation Discussion

Abstract

Research into the fears and concerns families have about donation and other issues at the time of the donation discussion substantiates that many fears and concerns act as impediments to consent. Twenty fears and concerns voiced by families at the time of the donation discussion have been identified. Specific strategies have been developed to deal with 19 of those concerns. Using gentle probing questions and targeted strategies, trained requestors may successfully address many fears and concerns, thus increasing the likelihood of the family consenting to donation.