Experience of directed living donor kidney transplant recipients: a literature review

Abstract

A directed living donor is a healthy individual who donates an organ to a specific person. The number of living donor kidney transplantations in the UK has been increasing; however, living donation and the experience of kidney transplant recipients remain under-researched areas that are relevant to the provision of effective person-centred transplant care.

Aim: To understand the experience of directed living donor kidney transplant recipients to inform future nursing practice in the field.

Method: A qualitative literature review was undertaken. A search strategy was used to locate relevant articles in five electronic databases, and critical analysis was used to determine which articles should be included in the literature review.

Findings: Seven articles were identified for inclusion in the literature review. Four themes were identified from these articles: pre-transplantation decision-making; psychological and emotional effects of transplantation; physical effects of transplantation and effect on home life; and the relationship with the donor and others.

Conclusion: The psychosocial and physical effects of directed living donor kidney transplantation on the recipient can be profound, particularly with regard to the dynamics of the donor-recipient relationship. Although transplantation can transform lives, careful consideration, preparation and ongoing psychosocial support are vital to prevent recipients experiencing negative effects.

Keywords: directed living donors; end-stage renal failure; kidney transplantation; literature review; living donor transplants; renal system; research.