Toward a conditional approach to anonymity? An explorative multicenter longitudinal study among anonymous living kidney donors and recipients

Anonymity between living donors and recipients is a topic of discussion among transplant professionals. This longitudinal study explored living kidney donors’ and patients’ perspectives on anonymity. Prior to surgery (T0) and 3 months afterwards (T1) participants in unspecified or specified indirect donation programs completed a questionnaire on their experiences with and attitudes towards anonymity as well as demographic and medical characteristics. Non-parametric tests were used to assess group differences and associations. Participants were content with anonymity at T0 and T1. Fourteen and 23% wanted to meet at T0 and T1 respectively. If the other party expressed the wish to meet, 50% (T0) and 55% (T1) would be willing to meet. Most participants agreed that meeting should be allowed if both parties agree. Attitude towards anonymity did not differ between donors/recipients, nor between T0/T1 and unspecified/specified indirect donation programs. This study showed that most donors and recipients who participated in anonymous donation schemes are in favor of a conditional approach to anonymity. Guidelines on how to revoke anonymity if both parties agree are needed and should include education about pros and cons of (non-) anonymity and a logistical plan on how, when, where and by whom anonymity should be revoked. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.