Long‐term psychosocial outcomes after nondirected donation: A single‐center experience

Short‐term studies have demonstrated that nondirected donors ( NDD s) have psychosocial outcomes that are similar to donors who donate directly, but long‐term studies have not been done. NDD s at our center were surveyed regarding motivation; support during donation; stress related to donation; regret; financial resources used for donation; preferences about communication with the recipient; and cost reimbursement. Of 100 NDDs who donated at our center in the last 20 years, 95 remain in contact with us, and 77 responded to our survey (mean ± standard deviation [SD] 6.7 ± 4 years postdonation). The most common motivation for donation was the desire to help another (99%). Many NDD s received support from family, friends, and employers. NDD s voiced stress about the possibility of recipient kidney rejection, physical consequences to themselves, and financial burden. Only one donor expressed regret. Almost half wanted some recipient information at donation; 61% preferred routine recipient status updates; 56% believed meeting the recipient should occur at any mutually agreeable time; and 55% endorsed reimbursement for expenses. Stressors for NDD s are analogous to those of directed donors; NDD s prefer having some information about the recipient and prefer to be given a choice regarding the timing for communication with the recipient. NDD s supported donation being financially neutral.