Korean J Transplant.  2022 Nov;36(Supple 1):S95. 10.4285/ATW2022.F-2144.

Experiences of living organ donors about advocator in Korea

• Kim HS
• Yoo YS

• KMID: 2535611
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4285/ATW2022.F-2144

Abstract

Background
The percentage of living organ donors in Korea is higher than other countries, which is 49.74 per one-million. The rate of living organ donation has recently increased as the proportion of brain-dead donors declined due to COVID-19, etc. The do-nor-supporting advocate system is implemented in only few hospitals in Korea. It is necessary to recognize cultural differences and importance of advocator in Korea by referencing experience of living organ donors who conducted interviews with advocator.
Methods
Ten people who donated liver or kidney as living organ donors in same hospital were interviewed. It is a qualitative study that analyzed donor statements through open questions about experience of the advocated system before transplantation. Through phenomenological approach, this study classified consequences living donors experienced by interviewing with advocator before donation.
Results
Even in case of living donation for family, donor may fear about his or her health. Support for living donors through advo-cator has been opportunity for donors to reflect on their anxiety about donation. Additionally, it relieved donors by notifying exis- tence of donor supporting systems. On the other hand, donors who already received enough information responded that it was unnecessary.
Conclusions
This study identified psychological shifts experienced by living donors when they met advocator in process of donations. It is believed that based on the advocate support system, donors were provided psychological support and convinced about donation before donation. This study is expected to be helpful for donor education, which can be psychological support to living donors in Korea.