A model of donors' decision-making in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation in Japan: having no choice.

This study examined the decision-making processes of donors in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation. Twenty-two donors were interviewed using a semi-structured format. Interview contents were transcribed verbatim and analyzed qualitatively using grounded theory. A decision-making model was developed consisting of 5 stages: (1) recognition, (2) digestion, (3) decision-making, (4) reinforcement, and (5) resolution. The second and the third stages described donors' experiences of "reaching a decision"; the fourth and fifth stages described those of "facing transplantation." The central theme of this model was "having no choice," which consisted of 4 codes: (1) priority of life, (2) only LDLT, (3) for family, and (4) only me. In conclusion, this model can help health care professionals to understand the donor experience and, based on that understanding, to provide sufficient support to the donor.