The role of stakeholder trust in OTDT policy change: public and professional attitudes to ante-mortem interventions in organ donation

Trust in the organ and tissue donation and transplantation (OTDT) system is essential to its success. Canadians are highly supportive of our OTDT system, which offers life-saving benefits and an opportunity for patients and families to draw comfort from helping others. Trust underlies our collective willingness to devote resources to the system and to participate as donors, practitioners and advocates. The history of the OTDT system is one of change in policy and practice, as medical techniques evolve. These changes sometimes lead to ethical debate. It is essential in responding to ethical debates that public trust is maintained so participants have confidence in the system. A challenge, however, is that little is known about how trust affects and is affected by policy change in OTDT systems. This socio-legal research project will fill this knowledge gap by examining public and professional attitudes to the use of ante-mortem interventions that expand deceased organ donation opportunities. Research findings will inform the policy-making process in this specific area and improve knowledge of the role of trust throughout the OTDT system. Investigating the critical foundations of the system honours the contributions of James Kreppner and supports Canadian Blood Services' mission to "gain the trust, commitment and confidence of all Canadians."

CHANDLER, Jennifer

University of Ottawa

James Kreppner Award Program

Ontario

$50,000