Authors (including presenting author) :
Wu WK(1), Law HK(1), Chan MLM(1), Fung CP(1), Luk CK(1), Sham CYR(1), Wong SMC(1), Chow WS(1)(2)(3)
Affiliation :
(1)Hospital Authority Eye Bank, Hong Kong Eye Hospital, (2)Ophthalmology, Hong Kong Eye Hospital,(3)Department of Ophthalmology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Introduction :
Eye donation plays a crucial role in restoring sight and improving quality of life for corneal disease patients. Hospital Authority Eye Bank (HAEB) provides 24 hours on-call eye donation service and appeal for eye tissue donation in the territory. According to the data of HAEB, cancer patients contributed significantly in the donor pool and more than 40% of eye donors came from cancer patients. Understanding the refusal reasons for eye donation of the deceased families is essential to develop strategy to address the concerns of cancer patients and increase the consent rate for eye donation.
Objectives :
1） To understand the refusal reason for eye donation from the database of the HAEB
2） To identify the possible ways to improve the consent rate regarding cancer patients in eye donation
3） To enhance the discussion of eye donation among cancer patients in their advance care planning
Methodology :
The cases of cancer patient approached for eye donation from Jan 2023-Dec 2023 in the database of HAEB was reviewed and the refusal reasons were analysed.
Result & Outcome :
Result:
There were 51% of the approached families refused to donate. The refusal reasons included patient’s objection to donation when alive, cultural issues, fear of burdening to body, communication, and emotional unfitness to make consent. Focusing on the communication theme, 14% of the refusals were due to the relatives did not know the patient’s wish of eye donation and 13% expressed a lack of consensus among family members during donation discussion.
Suggestions:
To enhance communication about eye donation between these potential donors and their relatives, donation discussion sessions can be offered to patients and their relatives. This may also be included in the advance care planning discussion of the cancer patient for further exploration of their wish and a chance to let other relatives know their thoughts. Promotion strategy should be formulated regarding the cancer patient target group to enhance eye donation discussion.
