The experiences, motivations, and opinions of New Zealand's live liver donors

Abstract

To explore the motivations and experiences of New Zealand's live liver donors, and their opinions on New Zealand's current organ donation system.An anonymous questionnaire was sent to all 45 of New Zealand's live liver donors in November 2012.21 responses were collated with an even gender split. Half of the participants were parents of the recipient. Despite the risks of surgery and associated post-surgical pain, all participants were satisfied by how the transplant went for the recipient and for themselves. 90% thought people should save lives if they can, with 18 (86%) disagreeing with New Zealand's current method of allowing family members to veto the deceased person's wishes on organ donation (on their driver's license). 95% thought that education was important in encouraging people to donate.This unique and informed group have experienced both what it means to have a loved one waiting for a transplant and how it feels to be an organ donor. If New Zealand is serious about wanting to increase deceased organ donation rates, we should consider the experiences such as those who have undergone live donation.