Abstract

Historically the source for most organ donations were from the cadavers of deceased donors. Over time living organ donation has become an important way to address the shortage of organ availability. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the psychosocial effect the organ donation process has on the living donor. The body's physiological response to organ donation had been well documented. However, the psychosocial effect of donation is now being more appreciated and studies are being done to try to elucidate the factors that can influence the living donor's response to the transplant pro The ultimate goal of these queries is to provide areas where clinicians can develop interventions that will enhance the post-donation experience for the living donor. To conduct this literature review peer-reviewed, English language research articles that were published between 2008 to the present were critiqued. In the end most living donors had a positive experience and would not hesitate to donate their organ again; however, there were a small minority of patients that did not fare well by psychosocial measures. These patients many times were aware that the graft had failed in the recipient. This was the single biggest factor in determining if the experience was positive or negative for the living donor. Strategies, such as internet-based cognitive behavioral intervention, are being to be developed to address the negative psychosocial outcomes that some living donors experience. Further studies are necessary to determine additional factors that may alter the living donor's experience and to develop a tool-kit of interventions that can be applied as necessary to address the living donors specific needs.

Thesis Completion

2019

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

D'Amato-Kubiet, Leslee

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)

College

College of Nursing

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

5-1-2019

Download

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

COinS