Predictors of family communication of one’s organ donation intention in Switzerland

Family members continue to play a prominent role in decisions to donate organs at the time of death. Prior knowledge of the deceased’s intention to donate was identified as an important influential factor in the donation decision-making process. This study examined what factors lead to family communication of a person’s wish regarding organ donation.

A population-based survey was used to identify the prevalence of people who had informed family members of their intention to donate. Associated factors were evaluated using bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Multivariate analysis revealed that communication to a family member of the intention to donate organs was more likely if the respondent had a signed donor card (OR = 10.23, CI = 5.25–19.93), had a family discussion on organ donation or transplantation (OR = 7.12, CI = 4.91–10.34), had a partner and knew his or her attitude to organ donation (OR = 5.76, CI = 4.20–7.90), had previously personally had a good look at the issue of organ donation (OR = 2.59, CI = 1.79–3.75), was rather younger (OR = 0.98, CI = 0.97–0.99), was of Swiss nationality (OR = 2.21, CI = 1.25–3.91), felt that he or she was sufficiently informed (OR = 2.10, CI = 1.50–2.94), had the information necessary to come to an appropriate decision on organ donation and—although this relation may be weaker—were (rather) willing to become an organ donor after death (OR = 1.41, CI = 1.01–1.97).

Our findings highlight the need for public education and community campaigns to promote the need to share with others, the intention to donate and to increase people’s knowledge on this issue.