Organ donation for research purposes: a qualitative focus group study on the views of donor families, transplant recipients and heart failure patients in the UK.

backgroundDeclined donor organs and explanted recipient organs may hold considerable value for biomedical research, particularly in advancing knowledge of disease mechanisms and supporting drug development. However, public perceptions of such use, and preferences for how consent should be obtained, remain underexplored.

methodsFour workshops were held across the UK to examine the views of organ donor families and transplant recipients regarding the use of human organs in research, with a focus on myocardial regeneration. Each workshop included three brief presentations on transplantation and cardiac regeneration, followed by facilitated small-group discussions. Observational notes were taken to capture participants' perspectives on the use of organs unsuitable for transplantation. A follow-up survey generated both quantitative and qualitative data, the latter analysed using thematic analysis.

resultsParticipants expressed strong support for the use of declined donor and explanted recipient organs in research. Transplant recipients frequently cited a desire to give back to the National Health Service (NHS), while donor families viewed research use as a meaningful way to honour their loved ones when transplantation was not possible.

conclusionThis exploratory study highlights widespread support for using non-transplantable organs in research among individuals with personal experience of transplantation. The findings suggest a need for further research into how best to support and inform potential donors and families. Participants emphasised the importance of sensitive communication, clear consent processes and transparency regarding the use of donated organs.