Organ donation as an ‘altruistic gift’: Incentives and reciprocity in deceased organ donation from a UK Polish migrant perspective

Living and deceased organ donation are couched in altruism and gift discourse and this article reviews explores cultural views towards these concepts. Altruism and egoism theories and gift and reciprocity theories are outlined from a social exchange theory perspective to highlight the key differences between altruism and the gift and the wider implications of reciprocation. The notion of altruism as a selfless act without expectation or want for repayment juxtaposed with the Maussian gift where there are the obligations to give, receive and reciprocate. Lay perspectives of altruism and the gift in organ donation are outlined and illustrate that there are differences in motivations to donate in different programmes of living donation and for families who decide to donate their relative's organs. These motivations reflect cultural views of altruism and the gift and perceptions of the body and death.

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Tackling organ donation among minority ethnic communities in the UK—a whole systems approach

Randhawa

Gardiner

2022

British Medical Bulletin

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Introduction There are inequalities experienced by minority ethnic groups in the UK in organ donation and transplant services, with significant variation in relation to demand for, access to and waiting times for these services. Sources of data A narrative review of research obtained via several databases, including PubMed and Medline, was conducted. Areas of agreement A vision of equity and inclusion, which meets the need of the heterogeneous UK population, can only be realized by adopting a culturally competent approach to systems-wide working in organ donation in four core areas—transplant services; workforce and staff training; diversity and inclusion research; and public engagement. Areas of controversy Most of the data on the background of organ donors and recipients use general categories such as Asian or Black. We need to progress to a position of more granular data by more specific ethnicity so that we can better understand the trends and target action accordingly. Growing points By positively embracing the heterogeneity of the UK population, demand for transplantation can be reduced through a sustained commitment to public health interventions and culturally competent approaches in the management of long-term conditions. Areas timely for developing research Improved access to transplantation and reduced waiting times can be achieved to increase the number of organ donors from minority ethnic groups if there are concerted and adequately resourced culturally competent interventions with concomitant evaluation programmes.

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Organ donation as an ‘altruistic gift’: Incentives and reciprocity in deceased organ donation from a UK Polish migrant perspective

Cited by 5 publications

References 30 publications

Barriers to Registration in the National Donor Registry in Nations Using the Opt-In System: A Review of the Literature

Barriers to Registration in the National Donor Registry in Nations Using the Opt-In System: A Review of the Literature

Altruism, gift giving and reciprocity in organ donation: A review of cultural perspectives and challenges of the concepts

Tackling organ donation among minority ethnic communities in the UK—a whole systems approach

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