Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie
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The increasing deficit of organs causes a drastic decline in the quality of life and survival of numerous patients in need of a transplantation. The purpose of this representative community study was to survey attitudes toward transplantation in the German population and to identify underlying determinants. Unlike previous surveys, fears and concerns were elicited based on a concrete case vignette. ⋯ Common (up to 50 %), however, were also fears and concerns regarding determination of the time of death, displacement of medical concern from the donor to the recipient of the organ, utilisation of organs for other purposes, or explantation before death. The knowledge of the determinants identified, of existing fears and concerns are helpful not only for informing the public, but also for the dialogue with the next of kin of potential donors. Here, it may be helpful not only to address arguments pro organ donation, but also to address potential fears and concerns.