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Liver Donations from Living Donors Increase 42% after Educational Intervention

Living Liver Donors Share Their Stories – More Step Forward to Donate

A recent study found that living donation increased 42% and the number of individuals who presented for donation evaluation increased 74% at centers in New York. The surge in live donation and donor evaluation occurred after additional education was provided to liver transplant candidates. Those candidates exposed to the peer-based intervention (education) reported significantly greater knowledge, greater likelihood to discuss donation and increased self-efficacy compared to those not exposed to the intervention. 

“Past studies have shown waitlisted candidates concerns over donor safety coupled with their general lack of knowledge about organ donation created a reluctance on the part of candidates to discuss living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) with family and friends,” said Samantha DeLair, Director, New York Center for Liver Transplantation and lead author of this study. “The intervention material we used included testimonials and self-report data from living donors to educate liver candidates about the impacts, both the positives and the challenges of living liver donation,” added Ms. DeLair. 

Of the donors whose self-reports were used to create the educational material, 87% recommend seeking input of a former donor prior to donating. One anonymous donor gives this advice to individuals considering the option of LDLT, “Every decision is personal…get as much information as possible and speak to other donors.” 

This study also tracked the number of friends and family members who presented to the five transplant centers for further information, discussion, and if appropriate, comprehensive evaluation for LDLT.  Results indicate there was a 74% increase in LDLT evaluations from 2006 to 2008 at the intervention sites.  After the educational intervention, there was a 42% increase in the number of individuals who completed an evaluation and donated a liver graft.