ATC Abstracts

American Transplant Congress abstracts

  • Home
  • Meetings Archive
    • 2022 American Transplant Congress
    • 2021 American Transplant Congress
    • 2020 American Transplant Congress
    • 2019 American Transplant Congress
    • 2018 American Transplant Congress
    • 2017 American Transplant Congress
    • 2016 American Transplant Congress
    • 2015 American Transplant Congress
    • 2013 American Transplant Congress
  • Keyword Index
  • Resources
    • 2021 Resources
    • 2016 Resources
      • 2016 Welcome Letter
      • ATC 2016 Program Planning Committees
      • ASTS Council 2015-2016
      • AST Board of Directors 2015-2016
    • 2015 Resources
      • 2015 Welcome Letter
      • ATC 2015 Program Planning Committees
      • ASTS Council 2014-2015
      • AST Board of Directors 2014-2015
      • 2015 Conference Schedule
  • Search

Process Matters: Factors in Refusing Solid Organ Donation by African Americans

L. A. Siminoff1, G. P. Alolod1, H. M. Gardiner1, R. D. Hasz2, P. A. Mulvania2, M. Wilson-Genderson1

1Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 2Gift of Life Donor Program, Philadelphia, PA

Meeting: 2020 American Transplant Congress

Abstract number: 490

Keywords: Donors, marginal, Ethics, Procurement

Session Information

Session Name: All Organs: Disparities to Outcome and Access to Healthcare II

Session Type: Oral Abstract Session

Date: Saturday, May 30, 2020

Session Time: 3:15pm-4:45pm

 Presentation Time: 4:27pm-4:39pm

Location: Virtual

*Purpose: With approximately 25 African Americans (AAs) dying weekly while awaiting a transplantable organ, this study compares the experiences of AA families who authorized donation with those who refused.

*Methods: As part of a parent study testing the impact of a communication intervention on rates of family authorization, large administrative datasets were obtained from 9 partnering Organ Procurement Organizations (OPO). Initial analyses used these organizational data to assess authorization among African American families (N=1,651). Subsequent analyses were performed using a subsample of data collected via semi-structured telephone interviews of African American family decision makers (N=276). Initial bivariate analyses tested differences in study variables by authorization status (donor/nondonor). Two separate multilevel logistic regressions examined associations between independent variables and family authorization.

*Results: Analyses of the administrative datasets found that refusal was more likely when the patient was older, female, a DCD case, and not referred in a timely manner; refusal was less likely when families initiated donation conversations. Interview data revealed that families who refused to authorize donation were less likely to respond favorably to initial donation requests and reported less satisfaction with the overall approach, amount of time with OPO staff, and how questions were handled. Refusing families were also more likely to feel pressured, had less comprehensive donation discussions, and rated the OPO requesters’ communication skills lower. No significant differences in organ donation attitudes were found between families who authorized donation and those refusing to donate.

*Conclusions: The study suggests that AA families’ donation decisions are sensitive to the communication environment and may be optimized with culturally-appropriate requests.

  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print

To cite this abstract in AMA style:

Siminoff LA, Alolod GP, Gardiner HM, Hasz RD, Mulvania PA, Wilson-Genderson M. Process Matters: Factors in Refusing Solid Organ Donation by African Americans [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2020; 20 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/process-matters-factors-in-refusing-solid-organ-donation-by-african-americans/. Accessed May 10, 2025.

« Back to 2020 American Transplant Congress

Visit Our Partner Sites

American Transplant Congress (ATC)

Visit the official site for the American Transplant Congress »

American Journal of Transplantation

The official publication for the American Society of Transplantation (AST) and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) »

American Society of Transplantation (AST)

An organization of more than 3000 professionals dedicated to advancing the field of transplantation. »

American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS)

The society represents approximately 1,800 professionals dedicated to excellence in transplantation surgery. »

Copyright © 2013-2025 by American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Cookie Preferences