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Ambagtsheer F, Bunnik E, Pengel LHM, Reinders MEJ, Elias JJ, Lacetera N, Macis M. Public Opinions on Removing Disincentives and Introducing Incentives for Organ Donation: Proposing a European Research Agenda. Transpl Int 2024; 37:12483. [PMID: 38644936 PMCID: PMC11027084 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2024.12483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The shortage of organs for transplantations is increasing in Europe as well as globally. Many initiatives to the organ shortage, such as opt-out systems for deceased donation and expanding living donation, have been insufficient to meet the rising demand for organs. In recurrent discussions on how to reduce organ shortage, financial incentives and removal of disincentives, have been proposed to stimulate living organ donation and increase the pool of available donor organs. It is important to understand not only the ethical acceptability of (dis)incentives for organ donation, but also its societal acceptance. In this review, we propose a research agenda to help guide future empirical studies on public preferences in Europe towards the removal of disincentives and introduction of incentives for organ donation. We first present a systematic literature review on public opinions concerning (financial) (dis)incentives for organ donation in European countries. Next, we describe the results of a randomized survey experiment conducted in the United States. This experiment is crucial because it suggests that societal support for incentivizing organ donation depends on the specific features and institutional design of the proposed incentive scheme. We conclude by proposing this experiment's framework as a blueprint for European research on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederike Ambagtsheer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eline Bunnik
- Department of Medical Ethics, Philosophy and History of Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Liset H. M. Pengel
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marlies EJ Reinders
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Julio J. Elias
- Department of Economics, School of Business, University of CEMA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Mario Macis
- Carey Business School, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Gonen LD, Bokek-Cohen Y, Tarabeih M. The general public's attitude towards accepting payment for kidney donation. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1282065. [PMID: 38162890 PMCID: PMC10756681 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1282065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Kidney transplantation has become the most cost-effective treatment for patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and offers them the highest quality of life. Yet, kidney donation is often inaccessible due to cultural and traditional beliefs about organ donation. The goal of our study is to assess the value of kidney donation using the Willingness to Accept (WTA) technique. We also aim to understand the factors influencing an individual's willingness to donate an organ. Methods A self-administered survey was completed by 985 participants from the general public. The quantitative method and survey design that were chosen used descriptive, correlational, nonparametric, and multivariate statistical tests. Results Most of the respondents, 895 (90.9%) are not willing to donate a kidney while alive. Four hundred and five (41.1%) of the respondents are not willing to donate a kidney after their death, while the rest are willing to donate their kidney after their death without financial compensation. The same attitude applies to the donation of a kidney from their relatives. Significant predictors from the results of the logistic regression model in predicting the lowest (minimal) amount that will encourage donation of one kidney after death were: Marital status; Nationality; Adi card holder; Knowing people who need a kidney donation; confidence in the medical staff; and consideration of the family's opinions regarding organ donation. Discussion Using cost benefit analysis (CBA), with the aim of evaluating the willingness of individuals to accept payment for innovative medical procedures, such as kidney donation, allows an assessment of the perceived value of the medical procedure and enables policymakers to decide whether to allocate funds or offer subsidies for kidney donation, given the limited healthcare resources available. During our research, we found that most participants did not support the commercialization of organs. Our recommendation for policymakers and health professionals is to continue providing adequate funding for kidney donations and to implement educational programs aimed at improving attitudes towards organ donation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mahdi Tarabeih
- School of Nursing, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Yacoubian AA, Dargham RA, Khauli RB. A review of the possibility of adopting financially driven live donor kidney transplantation. Int Braz J Urol 2019; 44:1071-1080. [PMID: 30044592 PMCID: PMC6442174 DOI: 10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2017.0693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidney transplantation for end-stage renal disease remains the preferred solution due to its survival advantage, enhanced quality of life and cost-effectiveness. The main obstacle worldwide with this modality of treatment is the scarcity of organs. The demand has always exceeded the supply resulting in different types of donations. Kidney donation includes pure living related donors, deceased donors, living unrelated donors (altruistic), paired kidney donation and more recently compensated kidney donation. Ethical considerations in live donor kidney transplantation have always created a debate especially when rewarding unrelated donors. In this paper, we examine the problems of financially driven kidney transplantation, the ethical legitimacy of this practice, and propose some innovative methods and policies that could be adopted to ensure a better practice with accepted ethical guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Adour Yacoubian
- Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,Division of Urology and Renal Transplantation, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rana Abu Dargham
- Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,Division of Urology and Renal Transplantation, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Raja B Khauli
- Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,Division of Urology and Renal Transplantation, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Opinions of Health Care Personnel Regarding Disincentives and Incentives for Living Kidney Donation at a Single Center. Transplant Proc 2018; 50:3053-3058. [PMID: 30577165 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transplant societies continue to actively concentrate on increasing rates of living kidney donation (LKD) to bridge the gap between individuals awaiting transplantation and the number of kidneys available. A widely discussed strategy to increase living donation rates is the provision of incentives and removal of disincentives. Though opinions of the public regarding this strategy have been studied, the opinions of health care providers, including younger professionals, are less clear. We studied the opinions of medical students and other health care providers on strategies to increase LKD to determine if opinions were different among those < 25 or ≥ 25 years of age. METHODS A simple cross-sectional survey was conducted at an academic medical center. Participants included medical students and employees in Internal Medicine, General Surgery, and the Organ Transplantation Center. Pearson's χ2 and Fisher's exact test were conducted on the responses regarding disincentives and incentives to determine whether opinions differed based on age. RESULTS Six hundred and twenty-four participants completed the survey. There was no statistical difference in opinions between groups on reimbursing transportation costs, loss of wages, or childcare costs, but those aged ≥ 25 were more agreeable with covering food/lodging costs compared to those < 25 (96.5% vs 90.7%, P = .009). Respondents < 25 years old were more willing to donate a kidney for a financial incentive (P = .0002) accepting a median amount of $25,000. CONCLUSIONS Health care personnel broadly support removing financial disincentives for living kidney donation, and those ≥ 25 were more in favor of covering food/lodging costs compared to those < 25. Those < 25 years old were more likely to accept financial incentives towards donating their kidney compared to those ≥ 25 years.
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Querido S, Weigert A, Adragão T, Machado D, Pais D. Rewards to increase living kidney donation: The state of the art. Nefrologia 2018; 39:11-14. [PMID: 30391020 DOI: 10.1016/j.nefro.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Querido
- Department of Nephrology, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental - Hospital Santa Cruz, Carnaxide, Portugal.
| | - André Weigert
- Department of Nephrology, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental - Hospital Santa Cruz, Carnaxide, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Teresa Adragão
- Department of Nephrology, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental - Hospital Santa Cruz, Carnaxide, Portugal
| | - Domingos Machado
- Department of Nephrology, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental - Hospital Santa Cruz, Carnaxide, Portugal
| | - Diogo Pais
- Nova Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas - Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Rodrigue JR, Fleishman A, Carroll M, Evenson AR, Pavlakis M, Mandelbrot DA, Baliga P, Howard DH, Schold JD. The Living Donor Lost Wages Trial: Study Rationale and Protocol. CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2018; 5:45-54. [PMID: 29805957 PMCID: PMC5967265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This paper describes the background, rationale, and design of an NIH-funded, single-center study to test the impact of offering reimbursement for donor lost wages incurred during the post-nephrectomy recovery period on the live donor kidney transplant (LDKT) rate in newly evaluated kidney transplant candidates, to examine whether offering reimbursement for donor lost wages reduces racial disparity in LDKT rates, and to determine whether higher reimbursement amounts lead to higher LDKT rates. RECENT FINDINGS LDKT is the optimal treatment for renal failure. However, living kidney donation has declined in the past decade, particularly among men, younger adults, blacks, and low-income adults. There is evidence that donation-related costs may deter both transplant candidates and potential donors from considering LDKT. Lost wages is a major source of financial loss for some living donors and, unlike travel and lodging expenses, is not reimbursed by financial assistance programs. SUMMARY The study addresses the transplant community's call to reduce the financial burden of living donation and examine its impact on LDKT rates. Findings have the potential to influence policy, clinical practice, LDKT access, and income-related and racial disparities in LDKT and living donation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R. Rodrigue
- The Transplant Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Aaron Fleishman
- The Transplant Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Michaela Carroll
- The Transplant Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Amy R. Evenson
- The Transplant Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Martha Pavlakis
- The Transplant Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Prabhakar Baliga
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - David H. Howard
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jesse D. Schold
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
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Abstract
The number of patients with organ failure who could potentially benefit from transplantation continues to exceed the available supply of organs. Despite numerous efforts to increase the number of donors, there remains an enormous mismatch between demand and supply. Large numbers of people still die with potentially transplantable organs remaining in situ, most frequently as a result of family objections. I argue that there are no persuasive moral arguments against mandated organ retrieval from all dead individuals who meet clinical criteria. However, because of continuing endemic prejudice in United States society and its healthcare system and the distrust this engenders, I conclude that proceeding with a policy of compulsory organ retrieval, even if morally unobjectionable, would not be warranted.
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Hernández-Ibarra LE, Mercado-Martínez FJ, Martínez-Castañeda A. Organ donation and transplantation in Mexico. A transplantation health professionals’ perspective. SALUD PUBLICA DE MEXICO 2017; 59:53-58. [PMID: 28423110 DOI: 10.21149/7755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: We aimed to explore organ donation and transplantation in Mexico from the point of view of transplantation health professionals. Materials and methods: A qualitative study was carried out. Twenty six organ transplantation health professionals from seven states of Mexico participated. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted mainly in hospital settings. Critical discourse analysis was performed. Results: According to participants, living organ transplantation offers benefits for recipients as well as for donors. Several factors influence the field of transplantation negatively, among them the scarcity of resources that impedes the incorporation of new health personnel, as well as conflicts between transplantation teams with diverse health professionals and authorities. Conclusion: Besides increasing economic resources, transplantation health personnel should be sensitized to find solutions in order to avoid conflicts with different health professionals. Studies on organ donation and transplants also should include other social actors' viewpoint.
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Rodrigue JR, Schold JD, Mandelbrot DA, Taber DJ, Phan V, Baliga PK. Concern for Lost Income Following Donation Deters Some Patients From Talking to Potential Living Donors. Prog Transplant 2016; 26:292-298. [PMID: 27495327 DOI: 10.1177/1526924816661332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Some living kidney donors report lost income during recovery from surgery. Little is known about whether concern for living donor's lost income affects the decision to undergo donation evaluation and the willingness of transplant candidates to discuss living kidney donation (LKD) with others. OBJECTIVE To examine whether transplant patients were told by potential donors about lost income concerns and whether patients chose not to discuss LKD with others due to lost income concerns. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Kidney transplant patients (185 wait-listed candidates, 171 deceased donor recipients, and 100 live donor recipients) at 2 centers completed a questionnaire to assess whether concern about donor's lost income was a consideration in discussion about LKD with others. RESULTS One-third (32%) were told by a family member/friend that they were willing to donate but were concerned about potential lost income. The majority of those who expressed financial concern (64%) did not initiate donation evaluation. Many patients (42%) chose not to discuss living donation with a family member/friend due to concern about the impact of lost income on the donor. In the multivariable model, lower annual household income was the only statistically significant predictor of both having a potential donor expressing lost income concern and choosing not to talk to someone because of lost income concern. CONCLUSION Findings from the current study underscore how concern about income loss for living donors may affect decision-making by both transplant candidates and potential donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Rodrigue
- 1 Center for Transplant Outcomes and Quality Improvement, The Transplant Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,2 Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jesse D Schold
- 3 Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - David J Taber
- 5 Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.,6 Department of Pharmacy, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Van Phan
- 5 Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Prabhakar K Baliga
- 5 Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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11
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Glenn D, Ocegueda S, Nazareth M, Zhong Y, Weinstein A, Primack W, Cochat P, Ferris M. The global pediatric nephrology workforce: a survey of the International Pediatric Nephrology Association. BMC Nephrol 2016; 17:83. [PMID: 27422016 PMCID: PMC4946101 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-016-0299-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global pediatric nephrology workforce is poorly characterized. The objectives of our study were to assess pediatric nephrologists' perceptions of the adequacy of the pediatric nephrology workforce, and understand regional challenges to fellow recruitment and job acquisition. Perceptions regarding optimal length of training and research requirements were also queried. METHODS A 17-question web-based survey comprised of 14 close-ended and 3 open-ended questions was e-mailed to members of the International Pediatric Nephrology Association. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed. RESULTS We received 341 responses from members of the International Pediatric Nephrology Association from 71 countries. There was a high degree of overall perceived workforce inadequacy with 67 % of all respondents reporting some degree of shortage. Perceived workforce shortage ranged from 20 % in Australia/New Zealand to 100 % in Africa. Respondents from Africa (25 %) and North America (22.4 %) reported the greatest difficulty recruiting fellows. Respondents from Australia/New Zealand (53.3 %) and Latin America (31.3 %) reported the greatest perceived difficulty finding jobs as pediatric nephrologists after training. Low trainee interest, low salary, lack of government or institutional support, and few available jobs in pediatric nephrology were the most frequently reported obstacles to fellow recruitment and job availability. CONCLUSIONS Globally, there is a high level of perceived inadequacy in the pediatric nephrology workforce. Regional variability exists in perceived workforce adequacy, ease of recruitment, and job acquisition. Interventions to improve recruitment targeted to specific regional barriers are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorey Glenn
- />UNC Kidney Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 7024 Burnett-Womack, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7155 USA
| | - Sophie Ocegueda
- />UNC Kidney Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 7024 Burnett-Womack, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7155 USA
| | - Meaghan Nazareth
- />UNC Kidney Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 7024 Burnett-Womack, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7155 USA
| | - Yi Zhong
- />UNC Kidney Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 7024 Burnett-Womack, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7155 USA
| | - Adam Weinstein
- />Division of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03766 USA
| | - William Primack
- />UNC Kidney Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 7024 Burnett-Womack, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7155 USA
| | - Pierre Cochat
- />Service de Néphrologie Rhumatologie Dermatologie, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant & Université Claude-Bernard, Lyon 1, 69677 Bron Cedex, France
| | - Maria Ferris
- />UNC Kidney Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 7024 Burnett-Womack, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7155 USA
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Almeida N, Almeida RF, Almeida K, Almeida A. Attitude of medical professionals regarding controversial issues in kidney donation/transplantation. Indian J Nephrol 2016; 26:393-397. [PMID: 27942168 PMCID: PMC5131375 DOI: 10.4103/0971-4065.176147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a dire need to evaluate new strategies to bridge the wide kidney demand-supply gap. The current study examined the attitude of medical professionals regarding controversial issues pertaining to transplantation. A questionnaire, presenting controversial issues related to kidney transplantation, in an agree-disagree format with supporting reasons, was employed. The research was exploratory. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The sample comprised 140 doctors from Mumbai (mean = 38.1 years, standard deviation = 17.95; Males = 44.3%, Females = 55.7%). Whereas 47.1% of the participants felt that live donors should be given incentives for kidney donation, others (52.9%) disagreed, fearing commercialization and illegal activities. The eligibility of patients with HIV/hepatitis for a transplant was denied by 52.9% because of poor outcomes, with the others (47.1%) maintaining that these individuals too had a right to live. A substantial majority (90.7%) of the participants maintained that organ donors should be given priority in the event of a future need for an organ because their previous humane act should be rewarded (47.1%). Most of the participants (91.4%) felt that individuals from the higher socioeconomic strata should not receive preference for kidney transplantation. A majority (77.1%) of them were also against kidney selling getting legalized. Compulsory possession of a donor card elicited mixed responses, with some accepting (56.4%), but others rejecting (43.6%) this idea as donation was perceived to be a voluntary act (33.6%). While compulsory kidney donation found favor with 44.3%, it found disfavor with others (55.7%). This study will benefit transplant healthcare personnel to formulate new policies in relation to kidney donation/transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Almeida
- Department of Human Development, Nirmala Niketan College of Home Science, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - R F Almeida
- Department of Emergency Medical Services, Institute of Health Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - K Almeida
- Department of Psychology, Mumbai University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - A Almeida
- PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Center, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Shaw RM, Bell LJ. 'Because you can't live on love': living kidney donors' perspectives on compensation and payment for organ donation. Health Expect 2015; 18:3201-12. [PMID: 25418552 PMCID: PMC5810734 DOI: 10.1111/hex.12310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Living kidney donation accounts for approximately half of all kidney transplantation in many countries and is central to health policy focused on increasing organ supply. However, little examination of the economic consequences of living kidney donation has been undertaken from the perspective of donors themselves. This article documents living kidney donors' views regarding recompense and payment for organ donation, based on their experience. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-five living kidney donors from New Zealand participated in this study. METHODS This qualitative study, based on thematic analysis, uses semi-structured in-depth interviews to examine the experiences of living kidney donors. Themes were organized around altruism and the 'gift', perceptions of shared corporeality and identity, and donor support. RESULTS Most participants agreed the donation process was costly in terms of time and money. Many incurred personal costs, and some experienced financial hardship. All the participants viewed financial hardship as a barrier to organ donation and favoured recompense for direct and indirect costs. Most did not support payment for organs, and none supported commercialization. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The findings show that framing organ donation as a 'gift' can stymie discussion about reciprocity, remuneration and exchange, making talk about financial recompense difficult. Financial well-being, nonetheless, has implications for the ability to care for self and others post-operatively. We conclude that the economic consequences for living kidney donors in jurisdictions where recompense for direct and indirect costs is insufficient are unfair. Review of financial assistance for live organ donors is therefore recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhonda M. Shaw
- School of Social & Cultural StudiesVictoria University of WellingtonWellingtonNew Zealand
| | - Lara J.M. Bell
- School of Social & Cultural StudiesVictoria University of WellingtonWellingtonNew Zealand
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14
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Bruzzone P. Paid Organ Donation: An Italian Perspective. Transplant Proc 2015; 47:2109-12. [PMID: 26361655 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2015.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Revised: 01/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The only countries that have allowed financial incentives for organ donation are Iran since 1988, and later on, Singapore and Saudi Arabia. In Europe, and of course in Italy, financial incentives for donors are prohibited. The author has completed extensive research via the Internet (PubMed) of worldwide scientific literature on paid organ donation, also researching studies concerning public opinion on organ commercialism and "regulated markets". Italian transplant laws also have been reported and analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bruzzone
- Department of General Surgery, Surgical Sciences and Transplantation "Paride Stefanini", Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy.
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15
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Perspectives of Transplant Professionals on the Values, Ethics, and Challenges of Living Kidney Donor Evaluation in Asia. Transplantation 2015; 99:1386-95. [DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000000534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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16
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The Rationale for Incentives for Living Donors: An International Perspective? CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40472-014-0045-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Tong A, Chapman JR, Wong G, Craig JC. Perspectives of Transplant Physicians and Surgeons on Reimbursement, Compensation, and Incentives for Living Kidney Donors. Am J Kidney Dis 2014; 64:622-32. [DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2014.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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18
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Randhawa G. Policy perspectives: international survey of nephrologists' perceptions of and attitudes towards rewards and compensation for kidney donation. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2014; 28:1343-5. [PMID: 23780674 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gft075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The challenge to resolve the gap between supply and demand for organs is a global phenomenon. The possible solutions can invariably involve a range of ethical and moral dilemmas. This is certainly the case when considering rewards and compensation for kidney donation. In their thought provoking study, Ghahramami et al. provide the perspectives of medical professionals on these issues. The views of nephrologists concerning rewards and compensation chime with views of the public, which have been highlighted in many previous studies. Rewards and compensation for organ donation are perceived, by some, as barriers to successful organ donation transplant programmes; whereas others view them as potential facilitators to increasing organ donation rates. It is interesting to note that two-thirds of survey respondents believe that introducing some kind of reward or offering compensation would lead to an increase in organ donation. This finding is not unique to this study and is evident in many public surveys where respondents have expressed a belief that offering some form of incentive would have a positive impact on organ donation rates. Disappointingly, the debates concerning the type of reward or compensation and its potential impact on donation rates continue to take place in a relatively 'evidence base-free' vacuum. What is abundantly clear is that many lives continue to be lost in many countries due to a lack of suitable organs for transplant. What is less clear is which forms of reward and compensation actually have an impact on donation rates and whether they positively impact the life experiences of donors, recipients and their families. This level of evidence- base is urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurch Randhawa
- Institute for Health Research, University of Bedfordshire, Luton, UK.
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