Attitudes and opinions on organ donation: an opportunity to educate in a Canadian city

Abstract

Background: Patients on organ transplant waiting lists continue to far exceed donor rates. We seek to understand the barriers preventing people in a Canadian city from donating organs for transplantation.

Methods: One thousand adults were surveyed assessing knowledge, personal involvement, and attitudes about organ donation in an urban center in Canada. Primary outcomes of interest were a signed organ donor card and willingness to donate.

Results: Of those surveyed, 64% did not realize that they possessed an organ donor card; 90% would consider being a donor if a friend was in need of an organ. Of the 36% who did know, 72% had signed it. Those who had misconceptions about the organ donation process were less likely to be donors.

Interpretation: There is a tremendous lack of knowledge about organ donation. While the majority of people are interested in organ donation, they lack a means to express this interest - most do not even realize they possess an organ donor card. A significant proportion of people who were not supportive of donation were misinformed in critical areas of knowledge that likely influenced this decision including the rich being preferentially transplanted, the consent process, disfigurement, and donors receiving worse medical care.