Adequate Consent: Its Content in the Donation Discussion

Abstract

Although recent research has established a relationship between donation rates and the consent process for organ and tissue donation, little attention has been given to the content of the donation discussion. Recent studies suggest that families want more information to aid them in making the decision to consent. To address the family's needs, the interviewer should introduce the subject appropriately, respond fully to the family's questions, and provide the following information: the options of donating particular organs or tissues, the potential benefits of donation, the right not to donate, the effects on the funeral, the lack of cost of donation to the family, a description of the procurement procedures, and what will happen if the donated organs cannot be used for transplant.