The role of women in the donation consent decision: building on previous research.

BACKGROUND: Recently published findings emphasize the dominant role of women in the donation discussion. With some noteworthy exceptions, the empirical literature on gender and donation, and the role of gender in healthcare decisions as well as donation, is limited.

OBJECTIVES: To provide preliminary information needed to begin theoretical or framework development and to initiate more rigorous research on the role of gender in donation discussions.

DESIGN: This exploratory study is a descriptive qualitative retrospective study using focus group methodology.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Two focus groups were conducted in 2 major cities in the organ procurement organization's service area. Participants were women who were involved in the donation discussion within the past 5 years; 6 participated in 1 session, 8 in the other.

RESULTS: The focus group discussions highlight the role of women in the donation process relative to information needs, information usage, and the ensuring dynamics of the donation discussion. Compared to men, women tend to seek more information and reframe this information for others. Because women are frequently central in family communication networks, they serve as a communication conduit for other family members and may influence others.

CONCLUSIONS: Involving key women decision makers in the early stages of the donation discussion and providing information elaboration build on women's central placement and role in family communication network processes. The significance of women's central placement may carry cultural implications, particularly for racial or ethnic groups with strong matriarchal or extended kinship structures.