Donor families
Dear families of donor patients
During this difficult time, we understand that making decisions about medical research may feel overwhelming. We deeply appreciate you taking the time to read this information and consider whether your loved one might participate in our study. Your loved one's generous decision to donate organs is already making a profound difference to others.
To help guide your decision please read through our Donor family patient information leaflet here:
What is this study about?
When someone receives a transplanted organ like a liver, kidney, or pancreas, their body sometimes rejects the new organ. Currently, doctors can only detect this rejection through regular blood tests or biopsies, which may not catch problems early enough.
We are exploring whether transplanting a small patch of skin from the same donor (your loved one) onto the patient's forearm might help. This patch of skin, called a "sentinel skin flap," could act as an early warning system. If the transplanted organ begins to reject, the skin patch may develop a visible rash first, alerting doctors to act quickly to save the organ.
Why was your loved one considered for this study?
Your loved one has already made the generous decision to donate their organs to help others. Because they are a suitable organ donor, they could also help us learn more about how to make transplants more successful for future patients.
Their participation in this research could provide valuable insights that benefit many transplant patients in the years to come.
How does consent work in this situation?
Normally, patients decide for themselves whether to join medical research. When someone has passed away, we ask their family to give "assent" on their behalf - essentially, permission based on what you believe they would have wanted.
As their next-of-kin, we will keep you informed about the research. If you know of any views your loved one expressed about medical research or organ donation, please share these with us.
Your loved one will only be included in this study if:
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They never expressed any objection to being part of medical research, AND
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You give your permission (your "assent") for them to participate
Privacy and confidentiality
Your loved one's identity will remain completely confidential. Their name will never be published or shared with anyone outside the research team.
Questions or concerns?
We understand you may have questions, and we're here to help. Please don't hesitate to contact our research team:
We are available to discuss any aspect of this research and support you through this decision.