The psychosocial meanings of living related kidney organ donation: recipient and donor perspectives--literature review.

There is a shortage of information about the psychosocial influences that impact family decision making for a living related donor kidney transplant. This article reviews research findings related to the psychosocial meanings of donation. potential recipient's decisions about the kidney donor, and families' roles and expectations. The social meaning of organ donation as a "gift" and family dynamics involved in decision making are addressed. The findings show that families make decisions about kidney donation in different ways. Emotional responses of potential kidney recipients include ambivalence, passivity, and denial of the severity of their illness. Emotional responses of potential family donors range from unrestrained willingness to ambivalence and concerns of coercion. Improved accuracy of health assessment and awareness of the importance of psychosocial perspectives is needed. Assessment questions addressing the fears and concerns of potential recipient and donor are suggested.