Exploring next-of-kin perceptions of optimal strategies to request family consent for organ donation in a hypothetical scenario

Melissa Hyde¹, Renata Meuter²

¹Behavioural Basis of Health, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, Australia, ²School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia

Next-of-kin refusal for donation is a key factor preventing recovery of organs. Conversations with Organ Procurement (Donor) Coordinators (OPCs)/health professionals can impact on next-of-kin consent. While common consent gaining strategies have been identified, it is less well known whether next-of-kin find these strategies acceptable. Identifying optimal request strategies may ultimately improve the request process and subsequent family consent rates. We used a scenario based-study conducted in a non-clinical setting to explore potential donor families’ likelihood of consent to and perceived acceptability of 12 strategies which are used by OPCs/health professionals to request organ donation.  A convenience sample of 163 participants completed an online survey containing one of four scenarios manipulating next-of-kin’s prior knowledge of their loved one’s donation wishes (wishes known/unknown) and the sex of their loved one (Mother/Father). Using MANOVA we explored differences in participants’ ratings of consent and acceptability of request strategies across scenarios. There were significant differences in consent and acceptability ratings based on prior knowledge of loved one’s donation wishes only (not across the four scenarios). Strategies least likely to gain consent or acceptance included mentioning well known others who support donation (wishes unknown), making next-of-kin aware their parent needs an autopsy, and explaining the donation process. Strategies most likely to gain consent and acceptance included informing next-of-kin their parent had joined the donor register and ask for permission (wishes unknown) or support (wishes known) to donate. Consent and acceptance of request strategies may vary based on next-of-kin’s prior knowledge of their loved one’s donation wishes. Optimal request strategies tailored to next-of-kin’s prior knowledge of loved one’s donation wishes may facilitate consent.