Social Work Interventions with Living Related Liver Donors: The Implications for Practice

Abstract

Living related liver donations are increasingly used to address the lack of organs available to patients faced with end-stage liver disease. A significant need exists for enhanced psychosocial intervention for donors. We sought to explore donor reactions by assessing psychosocial issues after donation. A descriptive review of donors was undertaken. The overall incidence of psychosocial issues after donation was examined by using a uniform interview questionnaire and by anecdotal case studies. Responses tend to indicate a general positive reaction to donation; yet, findings suggest a need for more preparation in the predonor stage, 100% social work follow-up after donation to provide needed support services, and inclusion of the donor as a critical partner in organ transplant treatment. A more extensive study drawing on the questionnaire may offer a standardized approach to the treatment of organ donors.

Living-Donor Liver Transplant in Oman: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study of Donors’ Experiences and Challenges

“…Moreover, no donor responded that live liver donation should be abandoned or they felt "forced" to donate, and all donors were satisfied with their donation decision and felt empowered and glad for the donation and saving the life of beloved ones. is is in accordance with the findings of a number of studies [2,5,7,10].…”

“…However, as men have pointed out better preparation, it may be necessary to offer an education campaign and sessions through the popular media to educate the general public about organ donation and what they can expect and engage the interdisciplinary advocacy team of donors before the donation process to overcome concerns raised at any time. With regard to pre-and postdonation support, this study found support from the transplant team, family, and friends, and this is similar to the literature that donors feel well supported from their environment [2,10,11].…”

“…is confirms the same observation that donors are well prepared and educated throughout the donation process [2,7,11]. However, as men have pointed out better preparation, it may be necessary to offer an education campaign and sessions through the popular media to educate the general public about organ donation and what they can expect and engage the interdisciplinary advocacy team of donors before the donation process to overcome concerns raised at any time.…”

“…Since liver transplant was first performed by omas Starlz in 1963 [1], it has become a life-saving treatment option for patients suffering from terminal liver disease [2]. Living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is an option in places where deceased-donor liver is not readily available, such as in Oman.…”

Psychological profiles of excluded living liver donor candidates

“…Donor candidates should have a good understanding of the morbidity and mortality of living liver donation and confirm their voluntary participation, with the absence of coercion, before the donation decision is made via consultations with a transplant coordinator, social worker, psychiatrist, or donor advocate staff member. [9–12] Furthermore, the reasons for exclusion from the selection process should be recorded and analyzed to further improve donor quality of care. [3]…”