A Survey Study to Examine Willingness to Travel for Transplantation and Consider Commercial Transplantation Among a Multiethnic Cohort of Canadians

Introduction: Travel for transplantation is the movement of organs, donors, recipients, or transplant professionals across jurisdictional borders for transplantation purposes and is considered transplant tourism if transplant commercialism is involved. Little is known about the willingness of patients at risk for transplant tourism to engage in this practice.Methods: A cross-sectional survey of patients with end-stage renal disease was conducted in Canada to determine interest in travel for transplantation and transplant tourism, characterize patients according to their willingness to consider transplant tourism, and identify factors to deter willingness to consider transplant tourism. Surveys were conducted face-to-face and in multiple languages. Results: Among the 708 patients surveyed, 418 (59%) reported a willingness to travel outside of Canada for transplantation, with 24% reporting a strong willingness. One hundred sixty-one (23%) reported a will-ingness to travel and purchase a kidney overseas. On multivariate analysis, male sex, younger age, and Pacific Islander ethnicity were associated with higher odds of willingness to travel for transplant, whereas male sex, annual income greater than $100,000, and Asian and Middle Eastern ethnicity were associated with higher odds of willing to travel to purchase a kidney. Willingness reduced when respondents were informed of medical risks and legal implications related to travel for transplantation. Financial and ethical considerations were less effective at reducing willingness to travel for transplantation.Conclusion: There was a high level of interest in travel for transplantation and transplant tourism. Legal consequences and education on medical risks of transplant tourism may be effective deterrent strategies.

Automated summary

This study investigated the willingness of patients with end-stage renal disease in Canada to engage in travel for transplantation and transplant tourism. Results showed a high level of interest in both practices, with certain demographics more likely to consider travel for transplantation or purchasing a kidney overseas. However, informing patients about the medical risks and legal implications associated with these practices reduced their willingness. Therefore, educating patients and highlighting the legal consequences of transplant tourism may serve as effective deterrent strategies.