Mental Health and Well-Being of Solid Organ Transplant Donors. The Forgotten Sacrifices

In light of a global organ shortage, living donor transplantation has become increasingly relevant as an alternative to deceased donor transplantation. While current research has revolved around the medical aspects of transplantation, there remains a paucity of literature regarding the quality of li...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Transplantology (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2021-09, Vol.2 (3), p.274-287
Main Authors: Pan, Xin-Hui, Toh, Jonathan Zhi Kai, Ng, Cheng Han, Tay, Phoebe Wen Lin, Wong, Neng Wei, Kow, Alfred Wei Chieh, Vathsala, Anantharaman, Tan, Eunice Xiang-Xuan, Muthiah, Mark Dhinesh, Lim, Wen Hui
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Blood & organ donations
Educational attainment
kidney transplantation
Kidney transplants
liver transplantation
Liver transplants
living donors
Mental health
Mortality
patient care
Quality of life
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Summary:In light of a global organ shortage, living donor transplantation has become increasingly relevant as an alternative to deceased donor transplantation. While current research has revolved around the medical aspects of transplantation, there remains a paucity of literature regarding the quality of life (QOL) of living donors. Hence, this review aims to provide a comprehensive outline of the current landscape of living liver and kidney transplantation, with a focus on the mental health and wellbeing of donors. As highlighted in previous studies, organ donation has a significant impact on both physical and mental aspects of donor wellbeing, with marked deteriorations occurring in the short term. Furthermore, other qualitative aspects such as financial burden contribute greatly to donor distress, reflecting a need for improved donor care. To address these pertinent issues, recommendations for a successful transplant program are detailed in this review, which encompasses psychological and social aspects of donor care throughout the donation process. Further research can be done on the impact of recipient deaths on donor QOL and appropriate interventions. Overall, given the selfless sacrifices of living donors, the care of their mental wellbeing is essential. Therefore, greater emphasis should be placed on the provision of adequate psychosocial support for them.
ISSN:2673-3943
2673-3943
DOI:10.3390/transplantology2030026