Disclosing donation decisions: the role of organ donor prototypes in an extended theory of planned behaviour

Abstract

This study explored the role of donor prototype evaluations (perceptions of the typical organ donor) in organ donation communication decisions using an extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model. The model incorporated attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, moral norm, self-identity, and donor prototype evaluations to predict intentions to record consent on an organ donor register and discuss the organ donation decision with significant others. Participants completed surveys assessing the extended TPB constructs related to registering (n 5 359) and discussing (n 5 282). Results supported a role for donor prototype evaluations in predicting discussing intentions only. Both extended TPB structural equation models were a good fit to the data, accounting for 74 and 76% of the variance in registering and discussing intentions, respectively. Participants' self-reported discussing behaviour (but not registering behaviour given low numbers of behavioural performers) was assessed 4 weeks later, with discussing intention as the only significant predictor of behaviour (Nagelkerke R 2 5 0.11). These findings highlight the impact of people's perceptions of a typical donor on their decisions to discuss their organ donation preference, assisting our understanding of the factors influencing individuals' communication processes in efforts to bridge the gap between organ supply and demand.Much organ donation research has examined the demographic factors, beliefs and attitudes that may explain the gap between organ supply and demand worldwide (see [1,2] for a review). Since 40-50% of family members deny consent for donation of their loved one's organs [3][4][5], a more recent focus has been on explaining this lack of consent [6]. Numerous aspects impact on the decision to give consent for donation (e.g. timing of the request, person making the request [7]). Prominent among these aspects is knowledge of a loved one's organ donation wishes. It has been demonstrated consistently that awareness of and previous discussion about a loved one's preference for donation increases the likelihood that consent for donation will be given [6,7]. To ensure that organ donation wishes are adhered to, then, an individual needs to make important others aware of their donation preference. Communicating organ donation wishes may involve documenting the decision on a donor register, driver licence or by other official means (registering) and/or talking with family members or next-of-kin about donation wishes (discussing). Few people, however, have disclosed their donation decision to family members [8][9][10][11].The extended theory of planned behaviour and prediction of donation decision disclosureSeveral studies [e.g. 8, 12-25] have used variants of major social-cognitive models, such as the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) or its predecessor the

Attitudes Underlying Corneal Donation in a Group of Trainee Allied Health Professionals

“…The results from these studies demonstrate that the theory of planned behaviour has been successful in explaining between 51% and 74% of the variance in intention to register as an organ donor [5]–[7], [9]–[10], [37], [45]. The findings obtained from this investigation provide further support for the predictive ability of the theory of planned behaviour as it has been capable of accounting for 84% (83% adjusted) of the variance in intention to register consent for corneal donation in this sample of pre-registered nurses (Table 2).…”

“…During its existence the theory of planned behaviour has been applied to a wide range of health and health-related behaviours, including that of organ donation [5]–[7], [9]–[10], [37], [45]. The results from these studies demonstrate that the theory of planned behaviour has been successful in explaining between 51% and 74% of the variance in intention to register as an organ donor [5]–[7], [9]–[10], [37], [45].…”

Personality characteristics in a Swedish national sample of identifiable oocyte donors

“…organ donors), even though there have been studies on the attitudes, behaviours and motives of other types of donors, including blood donors and kidney donors. 4,5 The most prominent reasons to become a donor of a kidney or blood are altruism and having a feeling of social responsibility towards others, although other motives based on religious beliefs and planned behaviour have also been discussed. 4,5 Each organ donation can help another person to live a better life and be free of a disease.…”

“…4,5 The most prominent reasons to become a donor of a kidney or blood are altruism and having a feeling of social responsibility towards others, although other motives based on religious beliefs and planned behaviour have also been discussed. 4,5 Each organ donation can help another person to live a better life and be free of a disease. The personality characteristics of blood donors might be expected to differ considerably from the personality characteristics of gamete donors, as the circumstances involved in the two types of donations are so different.…”

Multisystemic engagement & nephrology based educational intervention: a randomized controlled trial protocol on the kidney team at home-study

“…For example, 'Renal replacement therapy is necessary when the kidneys function for only 50%'. A clinically significant change will be indicated by 8 points of difference compared to the baseline measurement and is additional to passing the clinical cut-off point of 17 points (each correctly answered questionnaire is awarded 1 point) [30].…”