Family Experiences of Tissue Donation in Australia

Abstract

Seventy-seven of 140 mailed questionnaires were returned. Almost all respondents expressed satisfaction with the approach to donate, and this did not differ with the mode of approach, that is, by phone or in person. The most common reason for agreeing to donation was that it was known to be the donor's wish. The majority of respondents felt they had sufficient time and information to decide to donate, and almost all were happy with their decision and thought they had received adequate support during and after the process.

Consenting to donation: an examination of current practices in informed consent for tissue donation in the US

“…For family decision makers to make an informed choice, especially about tissue donation, which remains less familiar to the public than organ donation (Rodrigue et al 2003; Wilson et al 2006), decision makers must have a firm understanding of the processes, risks, and benefits associated with donation. These results indicate that increased efforts are needed to ensure surrogate decision makers have the requisite information that DHHS and others have deemed necessary to making informed decisions about donation.…”

Consent to Donate Surgical Biospecimens for Research

“…28,29 Empirical studies have examined attitudes and opinions toward biospecimen donation using different populations, including research participants, 19,30 general populations, 31 blood donors, 32 and family members. 33 There has been less work on the impact of the consent process on participants. A study of the meaning of consent for healthy participants in biobanks found that it was valued because it provided a sense of control and reinforced self-identity; however, the impact on participants with serious illness raises very different issues.…”