Abstract: SA-PO833
Understanding Public Perceptions of Deemed Consent Legislation for Organ Donation in Canada
Session Information
- Transplantation: Clinical - Pretransplant Assessment and Living Donors
November 05, 2022 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Orange County Convention Center‚ West Building
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Transplantation
- 2002 Transplantation: Clinical
Authors
- Fox, Danielle E., The University of Calgary, CALGARY, Alberta, Canada
- Donald, Maoliosa, The University of Calgary, CALGARY, Alberta, Canada
- Chong, Christy, The University of Calgary, CALGARY, Alberta, Canada
- Quinn, Robert R., The University of Calgary, CALGARY, Alberta, Canada
- Ronksley, Paul E., The University of Calgary, CALGARY, Alberta, Canada
- Elliott, Meghan J., The University of Calgary, CALGARY, Alberta, Canada
- Lam, Ngan, The University of Calgary, CALGARY, Alberta, Canada
Background
Deemed consent legislation was implemented in Nova Scotia in 2021 and is being considered in other jurisdictions in Canada to increase deceased organ donation and transplantation rates. We have previously described the public perceptions of deemed consent and concerns for lawmakers to consider; however, there are other personal factors that should be understood prior to addressing these public concerns. Our objective was thus to explore the factors underlying public perceptions of deemed consent legislation in Canada.
Methods
We searched four major Canadian news outlets for published articles about deemed consent between January 2019 and July 2020. Using a descriptive qualitative method, public comments from relevant articles were extracted and analyzed using an inductive conventional content analysis approach.
Results
We extracted and analyzed 4,357 comments from 35 eligible news articles. Four primary themes emerged that helped explain the public’s perception of deemed consent. Entwined beliefs: Commenters’ beliefs included how they defined consent, human rights, and end-of-life practices. Connected experiences: Commenters described the impact of life experiences that were connected to deemed consent. These included being an organ donor or recipient but also other experiences such as accessing healthcare and government services (e.g., unable to navigate existing opt-in processes). Inescapable uncertainty: Organ donation was a difficult and personal decision. Many commenters were undecided in their decision to be an organ donor yet were being asked to firmly decide. Guarded trust: Some commenters described having little trust in healthcare providers, government officials, their family and friends, and others responsible for carrying out their wishes.
Conclusion
Public perceptions of deemed consent appeared to be influenced by the collective value commenters ascribed to numerous related elements. Lawmakers should consider these determinants when addressing public concerns.