PhD defence M.C. (Mathilde) Pronk

Below is a brief summary about the dissertation:

In this thesis the following was assessed: (1) the patient and donor perspective on anonymity in unspecified kidney donation and kidney exchange programs, (2) the considerations and experiences of kidney patients who engaged in public solicitation, and (3) the motivations, experiences and mental health of unspecified kidney donors. Part 1 shows that participants of anonymous kidney donation, on an individual level, are satisfied with the current policy on anonymity, but, on a group level, believe that other individuals are entitled to and freedom of choice when it comes to getting to know their donor/recipient. Participants perceived anonymity mainly as a protective measure, but many also remained curious about the transplant outcome or the identity of their donor/recipient. Part 2 describes that patients with kidney failure perceived public solicitation as one of their last options to find a donor as other strategies had been unsuccessful. The public search for a donor generated hope and support, but was also experienced as an emotionally and practically taxing process. Part 3 shows that the main motivation for unspecified donors, who donated anonymously to a stranger, was to help someone in need. Some perceived the donation as a way to bolster their self-esteem. For almost all of them the donation was an empowering experience. Positive effects were experienced by both unspecified donors with and without mental health problems, from which it was concluded that the presence of psychopathology should not automatically lead to an exclusion from donation. Based on our findings we formulated several recommendations for improvement of education and care for these individuals.