Research seminar: Kidney transplant patients and the complexities of living donations: qualitative findings

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Time: 12.00pm - 1.00pm
Venue: Heritage Room, 2nd Floor, Grosvenor Wing, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE
Price: free
Speaker(s): Melania Calestani

Kidney transplantation is depicted as the optimum treatment for end-of-stage kidney failure. However, there is a shortage of organs. In a context of high demand for kidney transplants and organ shortage, health care professionals often encourage patients to explore the possibility to receive a kidney from a living donor such as a family member. Despite better clinical outcomes from living donors and shorter waiting time for a transplant, some patients prefer to wait for a cadaveric donor and to remain on dialysis.

This paper aims to highlight patient experience and views on the transplant process. In particular, it discusses the complexity of issues emerging when engaging with the decision-making process surrounding living donations. It offers a reflection on the interactions between patients and health care professionals. By drawing on research amongst nine renal units in the UK, I focus on kidney transplant patients' narratives to provide an insight on the nature of gifting, reciprocity, family obligations and the ethical and moral issues at play in ‘risking the life of a family member'.

For further information about this event:

Contact: Robert Grant
Email: robert.grant@sgul.kingston.ac.uk