Tackling organ donation among minority ethnic communities in the UK-a whole systems approach

Abstract

Introduction: There are inequalities experienced by minority ethnic groups in the UK in organ donation and transplant services, with significant variation in relation to demand for, access to and waiting times for these services.

Sources of data: A narrative review of research obtained via several databases, including PubMed and Medline, was conducted.

Areas of agreement: A vision of equity and inclusion, which meets the need of the heterogeneous UK population, can only be realized by adopting a culturally competent approach to systems-wide working in organ donation in four core areas-transplant services; workforce and staff training; diversity and inclusion research; and public engagement.

Areas of controversy: Most of the data on the background of organ donors and recipients use general categories such as Asian or Black. We need to progress to a position of more granular data by more specific ethnicity so that we can better understand the trends and target action accordingly.

Growing points: By positively embracing the heterogeneity of the UK population, demand for transplantation can be reduced through a sustained commitment to public health interventions and culturally competent approaches in the management of long-term conditions.

Areas timely for developing research: Improved access to transplantation and reduced waiting times can be achieved to increase the number of organ donors from minority ethnic groups if there are concerted and adequately resourced culturally competent interventions with concomitant evaluation programmes.

Keywords: cultural competency; ethnicity; inequalities; organ donation; religion.