September 9, 2026

Concerns and perspectives of people waitlisted for kidney transplantation

For people living with kidney failure, transplantation is often the preferred form of treatment, with the potential to provide longer and higher quality of life than dialysis. However, pursuing this treatment option can involve difficult decisions and trade offs, and the referral process itself can be complex. 

A recent study by Cynthia Kendell at Dalhousie University and her colleagues shed light on the perspectives of people waiting for a kidney transplant. Their results, published in the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease, show that, while patients overwhelming prefer a kidney transplant over dialysis, they expressed some concerns over approaching living donors and feel some lack of control over the transplantation process.  

In their study, the researchers conducted interviews and a focus group with 15 people waiting to receive a kidney transplant. Many study participants reported that trust and positive relationships with their health care providers was important for their willingness to undergo transplant, as well as helped mitigate concerns related to the surgery itself. Several people reported that they would like better communication with their care team, for example about what to expect regarding the overall transplant process, recovery from transplant surgery, and donor eligibility.  

While all participants said that they would be willing to accept a kidney from a deceased donor, some expressed concerns about accepting a kidney from a living donor. Most of these concerns were related to the potential consequences for living donors, such as the potential for surgical complications and the risks of the donor being left with only one kidney. Study participants also expressed some discomfort and guilt with the idea of asking someone for a kidney. 

Another key insight gained from this study was the lack of control that participants reported feeling about the transplant referral process itself. This includes little control over whether they are referred for transplant, whether they will receive a transplant, and how long they will have to wait. Factors such as local practice patterns, health system capacity, organ availability, and the eligibility of potential living donors all play a role in peoples’ access to this treatment option.  

Together, these results provide important insights as to how Canadians living with kidney failure feel about transplantation.