Public perception of organ donation and transplantation policies in Southern Spain

Abstract

Background: This research explores how public awareness and attitudes towards donation and transplantation policies may contribute to Spain’s success in cadaveric organ donation. Materials and Methods: A representative sample of 813 people residing in Andalusia (Southern Spain) were surveyed by telephone or via Internet between October and December 2018. Results: Most participants trust Spain’s donation and transplantation system (93%) and wish to donate their organs after death (76%). Among donors, a majority have expressed their consent (59%), while few non-donors have expressed their refusal (14%). Only a minority is aware of the presumed consent system in force (28%) and feel sufficiently informed regarding the requirements needed to be an organ donor (16%). Participants mainly consider that relatives should represent the deceased’s preferences and be consulted when the deceased’s wishes are unknown, as is the case in Spain. Conclusions: Public trust in the transplant system may contribute to Spain’s high performance in organ donation. High levels of societal support towards organ donation and transplantation do not correspond in Spain with similar levels of public awareness of donation and transplantation policies.