Waitlisted and Transplant Patient Perspectives on Expanding Access to Deceased Donor Kidney Transplants

C. Rosaasen¹, N. Rosaasen², R. Mainra³, A. Trachtenberg⁴, J. Ho⁵, C. Parsons⁶, S. Delaney⁶, H. Mansell⁷

¹Johnson Shoyama School of Public Policy, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, ²Saskatchewan Transplant Program, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, ³Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, ⁴, Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, ⁵Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Immunology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, ⁶Canadian Blood Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada, ⁷University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Meeting: 2022 American Transplant Congress

Abstract number: 726

Keywords: Donors, marginal, Organ Selection/Allocation, Waiting lists

Topic: Clinical Science » Kidney » 32 - Kidney Deceased Donor Selection

Session Information

Session Name: Kidney Deceased Donor Selection

Session Type: Poster Abstract

Date: Saturday, June 4, 2022

Session Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm

Presentation Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm

Location: Hynes Halls C & D

*Purpose: A concerning number of kidneys (expanded donor criteria, extended criteria, or marginal kidneys) are discarded yearly, and novel solutions are needed to solve the shortage of kidneys available for transplant. The purpose of this study was to explore patient perceptions regarding the use of these less than ideal kidneys.

*Methods: A qualitative description study was performed with patients who had received a less than ideal kidney in the past, and patients awaiting transplant who could potentially benefit from one. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducted virtually, which explored perceived quality of life, perceptions of less than ideal kidneys, risk tolerance for accepting one, and educational needs to make such a choice. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

*Results: Sixteen patients (n=10 pre-transplant; n=5 post-transplant) from two provinces in Canada participated. Participants were a mean of 65.5±8.8 years old. Four inter-related themes became prominent including 1) patient awareness and understanding of their situation or context 2) a desire for information 3) a desire for freedom from dialysis and 4) trust. Subthemes of transparency, clarity, standardization and autonomy were deemed important for participant education. The majority of participants (n=8/11), indicated that between 3 and 5 years off of dialysis would make the risk of accepting a less than ideal kidney feel worthwhile.

*Conclusions: These findings indicate that patients are comfortable to accept a less than ideal kidney for transplant in situations where their autonomy is respected, they are provided clear, standardized, and transparent information, and when they trust their physician.

To cite this abstract in AMA style:

Rosaasen C, Rosaasen N, Mainra R, Trachtenberg A, Ho J, Parsons C, Delaney S, Mansell H. Waitlisted and Transplant Patient Perspectives on Expanding Access to Deceased Donor Kidney Transplants [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2022; 22 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/waitlisted-and-transplant-patient-perspectives-on-expanding-access-to-deceased-donor-kidney-transplants/. Accessed May 30, 2025.

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