Donor and Recipient Views on Their Relationship in Living Kidney Donation: Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Studies.

A. Ralph,^1,2 P. Butow,¹ C. Hanson,^1,2 S. Chadban,^1,3 J. Chapman,¹ J. Craig,^1,2 J. Kanellis,⁴ G. Luxton,⁵ A. Tong.^1,2

¹University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
²Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
³Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
⁴Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
⁵University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

Meeting: 2017 American Transplant Congress

Abstract number: C251

Keywords: Kidney transplantation, Psychosocial

Session Information

Session Name: Poster Session C: Psychosocial and Treatment Adherence

Session Type: Poster Session

Date: Monday, May 1, 2017

Session Time: 6:00pm-7:00pm

Presentation Time: 6:00pm-7:00pm

Location: Hall D1

Background: Many donors and recipients report an improved relationship after transplant, however tension, neglect, guilt and proprietorial concern over the recipient can impede donor and recipient wellbeing and outcomes. We aimed to describe donor and recipient expectations and experiences of their relationship in the context of living kidney donation.

Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and reference lists were searched to October 2015. Studies were synthesized thematically, and using the ENTREQ standards for reporting.

Results:From 40 studies involving 1440 participants (889 donors, 551 recipients) from 13 countries, we identified six themes. 'Developing a unique connection' reflected the inexplicable bond that donor-recipient dyads developed post donation. 'Earning acceptance' was the expectation that donation would restore relationships. 'Enhancing social participation' encompassed relieving both the caregiver from the constraints of dialysis and recipient's increased involvement and contribution in family life. 'Retaining kidney ownership' reflected the donor's inclination to ensure that their recipient protected 'their' kidney. 'Burden of obligation' described the recipient's perpetual sense of duty to demonstrate gratitude to the donor. 'Desiring attention' was expressed by donors who wanted recognition for their act of donation and were envious and resentful of the attention the recipient received.

Conclusion: Living kidney donation can strengthen donor-recipient relationships but may trigger or exacerbate unresolved angst, tension, jealousy, and resentment. Facilitating access to pre- and post-transplant psychological support that addresses potential relationship changes may help donors and recipients better adjust to changes in the relationship dynamics, which in turn may contribute to improved psychosocial and transplant outcomes following living kidney donation.

CITATION INFORMATION: Ralph A, Butow P, Hanson C, Chadban S, Chapman J, Craig J, Kanellis J, Luxton G, Tong A. Donor and Recipient Views on Their Relationship in Living Kidney Donation: Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Studies. Am J Transplant. 2017;17 (suppl 3).

To cite this abstract in AMA style:

Ralph A, Butow P, Hanson C, Chadban S, Chapman J, Craig J, Kanellis J, Luxton G, Tong A. Donor and Recipient Views on Their Relationship in Living Kidney Donation: Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Studies. [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2017; 17 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/donor-and-recipient-views-on-their-relationship-in-living-kidney-donation-thematic-synthesis-of-qualitative-studies/. Accessed May 12, 2025.

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