Cairnes, Shan

Wood, Lee

Thomas, Jane

McLay, Melissa

Tan, Khim

Hill, Leigh

Jones Sarah

2021-04-01

The number of people waiting for a transplant far outweighs the number of organ donors in Australia. The Northern Territory (NT) of Australia has the highest incidence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in Australia. A large proportion of those with ESKD are First Nations Australians that require renal dialysis and who are more likely to require and benefit from a renal transplant. In 2018, 53% (21/40) of potential organ donors referred to DonateLife NT identified as First Nations Australian; one of these went on to become an organ donor. DonateLife NT coordinates all organ donation activities across the NT and is responsible for increasing community awareness, promoting the importance of organ donation, and discussing willingness to be an organ donor with families. During these activities with First Nations Australians, a variety of views that influence thoughts and decision making about organ donation have become very apparent. To explore this further, a literature review was undertaken to determine the views on organ donation among First Nations People and consider how this compared to the anecdotal experience of DonateLife NT. Findings from the literature review are consistent with the experience of DonateLife NT. To optimise dialogue about organ donation with First Nations People, it must be conducted in a respectful and culturally appropriate way. This serves to empower through enhancing knowledge and understanding and enables the ability to make informed decisions. Further qualitative research is recommended to increase understanding of the views of First Nations Australians about organ donation and ultimately ensure that donation discussions are appropriately informed, culturally secure, and form part of quality end of life care in hospital settings.

(Cairnes, S.) DonateLife Northern Territory, and Royal Darwin Hospital, NT, email: Shan.Cairnes@nt.gov.au

(Wood, L.) DonateLife Northern Territory, and Royal Darwin Hospital, NT.

(Thomas, J.) DonateLife Northern Territory, and Royal Darwin Hospital, NT.

(McLay, M.) DonateLife Northern Territory, and Royal Darwin Hospital, NT.

(Tan, K.) DonateLife Northern Territory, and Royal Darwin Hospital, NT.

(Hill, L.) DonateLife Northern Territory, and Royal Darwin Hospital, NT.

(Jones, S.) DonateLife Northern Territory, and Royal Darwin Hospital, NT.

Cairnes, S., Wood, L., Thomas, J., McLay, M., Tan, K., Hill, L., & Jones, S. (2021). The views of first nations people, including first nations Australians, on organ donation: A multi-national perspective. Transplant Journal of Australasia, 30(1), 7–12.

1323-5109

https://hdl.handle.net/10137/12069

30

Donation of organs

Donation of tissues

Qualitative research

Methodology

Chronic renal failure

Research

Australia

The views of first nations people, including first nations Australians, on organ donation: A multi-national perspective

Journal Article

Publication