A Model for Structuring the Donor Discussion in Emergent Transplant Procedures

Abstract

To investigate the potential for maximizing organ and tissue donation by identifying an empirical basis for structuring donor discussions. Intentions to donate organs and tissues were recorded in 2 separate samples of participants and analyzed separately by using Guttman scaling, the second sample providing a replication of the findings from the first. 304 participants were recruited from the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2004, and 200 health professionals were recruited from the Royal Free Hospital. RESULTD: High coefficients of scalability and reproducibility in both samples indicate a one-dimensional scale for intentions to donate organs and tissues, with solid organs more likely to be donated than corneal, hand, and facial tissue. Thus donor discussions can be structured in a robust order, with the potential for reliable use of cutoff points once donation of a particular organ or tissue has been refused. This reliable pattern can be used to maximize organ and tissue donation rates and to underpin emergent transplant techniques.