Support in Terms of Decision-Making for Living-Donor Liver Transplant Donors and Their Families Provided by Transplant Coordinators in Japan

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the present study was to assess the support provided by transplant coordinators to living-donor liver transplant donors and their families in regard to decision-making.

Method A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. The participants were four nurses with experience as transplant coordinators. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysis was performed with a focus on the actions of the transplant coordinators.

Results The analysis revealed the following four themes: facilitating relatives’ involvement in reaching a consensus; allowing each relative to consider the consequences of donation; sensing the candidate donor’s unwillingness and advocating the donor’s right to refuse; and helping potential donors prepare to become a donor. Subthemes were then identified based on these four themes.

Discussion These findings suggest that the core practice of transplant coordinators is to advocate the rights of the donor based on a consideration of ethical issues regarding the treatment of living-donor liver transplant donors and their families.