'It is a life changing experience': The experiences of living kidney donors who live in rural Australia

IntroductionA growing body of research has examined the physical, psychological, social and financial impacts of living kidney donation. However, little is known about the unique experiences or additional burdens faced by living donors from regional or remote locations. ObjectiveTo explore the experiences of living kidney donors who live outside metropolitan centres and to determine how support services could be orientated to better meet their unique needs. Design/Setting/ParticipantsSeventeen living kidney donors participated in semistructured telephone interviews. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. FindingsEight themes were identified: (1) donor's emotional well-being is influenced by the recipient's outcome, (2) varied levels of access to medical support and other important services in rural areas, (3) travel takes a toll on time, finances and well-being, (4) varied level of financial impact, (5) medical, emotional and social challenges, (6) both lay and health professional support is valued, (7) varied levels of knowledge and experiences accessing information and (8) a worthwhile experience overall. ConclusionDespite many challenges, and travel adding to the complexity, rural living kidney donors generally consider it to be a worthwhile experience. The provision of additional emotional, practical and educational support would be welcomed by this group.

Automated summary

This study aimed to explore the unique experiences and additional burdens faced by living kidney donors living outside metropolitan areas and to determine how support services could be better oriented to meet their needs. Through telephone interviews and qualitative data analysis, the study found that the emotional well-being of donors is influenced by the outcome of the recipient, there are varied levels of access to medical support and other important services in rural areas, travel has a negative impact on time, finances, and well-being, and there are challenges in terms of finances, medical, emotional, and social aspects. Overall, despite the challenges and complexities, rural living kidney donors consider it a worthwhile experience.