The Psychosocial Adjustment of Kidney Recipients in Canada's Kidney Paired Donation Program

Introduction: Kidney paired donation programs have been implemented globally. The involvement of at least 2 donors in these programs might exacerbate recipients’ debt of gratitude and guilt, worries about the donor's health, and worries about graft failure documented by previous studies. However, there is an absence of research on the psychosocial implications of kidney paired donation. This study aimed to provide an in-depth examination of recipients’ experience of kidney paired donation, with a focus on psychosocial adjustment. Methods/Approach: Individual interviews were conducted with 8 recipients who received a transplant through Canada's Kidney Paired Donation program. Data was analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Findings: Four themes emerged: (a) an emotionally charged relationship with the known donor, (b) optimal distance regulation in the relationship with the anonymous donor, (c) kidney paired donation as a series of ups and downs, and (d) multilayered gratitude. Discussion: Findings are considered in relation to extant literature. Issues relevant to the transplant community's clinical and research efforts to provide kidney recipients responsive care are discussed.