Objective: Kidney transplantation with a living donor has proved to be an effective solution for kidney patients on the waiting list for transplantation. Nevertheless, it may be difficult to find a living kidney donor. The purpose of this explorative study is to investigate how kidney transplant candidates may, or may not, find a living donor in the Netherlands.
Methods: We compared a group of 42 patients who did not find a living donor with a group of 42 patients who did, using semi-structured interviews.
Results: We found that, although almost all patients recognized the advantages of living kidney donation and were willing to accept the offer of a living kidney donor, many found it very difficult to ask a potential donor directly. This was true for both groups.
Conclusion: Patients may gain from professional support to deal with this situation in ways that balance their medical needs and their personal relationships.
Practice implications: Support programs should be developed to assist patients in developing strategies for discussing living kidney donation with potential donors.