Kidney TransplantationGRACENCT07254546
A Qualitative Study on Gratitude and Recognition Toward Living Kidney Donors
A study testing Semi-structured qualitative interview in people with Kidney Transplantation and Nephrectomy,Kidney Donation, run by Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris.
Trial summary
Kidney transplantation is widely recognized as the best treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, its development is limited by the persistent shortage of available organs. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Kidney Transplantation, Nephrectomy,Kidney Donation
- What is being tested?
- Semi-structured qualitative interview
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 15 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2026to 1 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Individuals who have donated a kidney at Hôpital Saint-Louis between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2025, or are currently engaged in a living kidney donation process with nephrectomy scheduled before June 30, 2026.
- Age ≥ 18 years.
- Able to provide informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Refusal or opposition to participate in the study.
- Individuals under legal protection (guardianship, curatorship, or legal safeguard).
- Individuals deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative decision.
- Individuals under 18 years of age.
- Kidney donation performed in a hospital other than Hôpital Saint-Louis.
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Emilien Seizilles de Mazancourt, MD contact
About this study
Official title: GRAtitude et Considération Envers Les Donneurs Vivants du Rein
Kidney transplantation is widely recognized as the best treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, its development is limited by the persistent shortage of available organs. Living donor kidney transplantation offers the best functional and survival outcomes, yet the number of procedures remains insufficient.
Living kidney donation relies on a voluntary and altruistic act by a healthy individual who accepts surgery without direct medical benefit. This act of generosity raises important questions regarding how society acknowledges and values such commitment. The lack of formal recognition may contribute to the psychological burden experienced by some donors and may not adequately reflect the gratitude of the medical community and society toward them.
Read more
This study aims to explore the perceptions of living kidney donors regarding the potential implementation of a symbolic form of recognition (for instance, a commemorative medal) offered after donation. The hypothesis is that such recognition could improve donors' post-donation experience and strengthen the societal value associated with living organ donation, while fully respecting ethical principles prohibiting any financial reward.
This is a qualitative, monocentric study based on semi-structured interviews with individuals who have donated a kidney. The interviews will focus on donors' motivations, their personal experience of donation, and their opinions about different possible forms of post-donation recognition. Interviews will be recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and perspectives.
The main endpoint is the identification of thematic categories related to donors' perception of post-donation recognition and its potential impact on their experience. Secondary objectives include exploring donors' expectations regarding societal gratitude, their views on the symbolic value of such recognition, and the potential influence on future donor engagement.
The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the ethical reflection surrounding the acknowledgment of living donors, support initiatives promoting non-financial recognition, and help develop respectful and meaningful ways of expressing societal gratitude toward those who make the gift of life possible.
- Being tested
- Semi-structured qualitative interview
- Keywords
- Incentive, Living donor, Living donor nephrectomy, Living kidney donation, Gratitude
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Semi-structured qualitative interviewBehavioural
Participants will take part in a one-on-one semi-structured qualitative interview exploring their experiences and perceptions related to living kidney donation and potential forms of post-donation recognition.
The interview guide includes open-ended questions addressing:
- Personal motivations for donation;
- Emotional and relational experiences throughout the donation process;
- Ethical perceptions of living donation;
- Views on symbolic recognition (e.g., commemorative medal, public acknowledgment, ceremony);
- Perceptions of paired kidney donation (KPD);
- Social representations of living donation in their personal environment and in society.
Interviews will last approximately 45 to 60 minutes and will be conducted either in person at Hôpital Saint-Louis or via secure videoconference.
All interviews will be recorded, transcribed verbatim, anonymized, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis (NVivo or equivalent software).
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Living donors of Kidney | Other | This cohort includes individuals who have donated a kidney at Hôpital Saint-Louis between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2025, as well as individuals currently engaged in a living kidney donation process with a nephrectomy planned before June 30, 2026, in the same institution. Participants will take part in semi-structured qualitative interviews exploring their perceptions and experiences related to post-donation recognition. Receives: Behavioral: Semi-structured qualitative interview |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Themes related to donor perceptions of post-donation recognition
Inductive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with living kidney donors, identifying key themes and subthemes related to their perception of post-donation recognition or symbolic rewards (e.g., commemorative medal, public acknowledgment).
Measured: At baseline
Secondary outcomes (6)
Perceptions of Kidney Paired Donation (KPD)
Exploration of participants' views and emotional responses toward kidney paired donation programs, including ethical and logistical aspects.
A semi-structured interview lasting 30-60 minutes, either in person during another scheduled treatment or via videoconference.
Measured: At baseline
Initial Motivations for Donation
Identification of personal, relational, or altruistic motivations that led participants to consider or complete living kidney donation.
A semi-structured interview lasting 30-60 minutes, either in person during another scheduled treatment or via videoconference.
Measured: At baseline
Experience of the Donation Pathway
Evaluation of participants' experiences throughout the donation process, including emotional journey, perceived support, and acknowledgment by healthcare professionals.
A semi-structured interview lasting 30-60 minutes, either in person during another scheduled treatment or via videoconference.
Measured: At baseline
Ethical Perceptions of Living Donation and Symbolic Recognition
Analysis of ethical reflections expressed by donors regarding the concept of recognition, symbolic rewards, or institutional gratitude (e.g., medals, diplomas, ceremonies).
A semi-structured interview lasting 30-60 minutes, either in person during another scheduled treatment or via videoconference.
Measured: At baseline
Social Representations of Living Donation
Investigation of how donors perceive societal and familial views about living kidney donation, including stigma, admiration, or misunderstanding.
A semi-structured interview lasting 30-60 minutes, either in person during another scheduled treatment or via videoconference.
Measured: At baseline
Barriers or Reluctance Toward Kidney Paired Donation
Identification of logistical, emotional, or ethical barriers expressed by participants regarding paired exchange donation.
A semi-structured interview lasting 30-60 minutes, either in person during another scheduled treatment or via videoconference.
Measured: At baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted28 Nov 2025
- Study start1 Jan 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Kidney TransplantationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de ParisThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Model description
- Monocentric cohort of Living donors of Kidney
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 15 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07254546
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- APHP251133
- Acronym
- GRACE
- Status last verified
- Nov 2025
- First submitted
- 18 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 28 Nov 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Nov 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- GRAtitude et Considération Envers Les Donneurs Vivants du Rein
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07254546
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- GRACE / APHP251133
- Keywords
- Incentive, Living donor, Living donor nephrectomy, Living kidney donation, Gratitude
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 15 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de ParisUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 28 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Kidney transplantation is widely recognized as the best treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, its development is limited by the persistent shortage of available organs. Living donor kidney transplantation offers the best functional and survival outcomes, yet the number of procedures remains insufficient.
Living kidney donation relies on a voluntary and altruistic act by a healthy individual who accepts surgery without direct medical benefit. This act of generosity raises important questions regarding how society acknowledges and values such commitment. The lack of formal recognition may contribute to the psychological burden experienced by some donors and may not adequately reflect the gratitude of the medical community and society toward them.
This study aims to explore the perceptions of living kidney donors regarding the potential implementation of a symbolic form of recognition (for instance, a commemorative medal) offered after donation. The hypothesis is that such recognition could improve donors' post-donation experience and strengthen the societal value associated with living organ donation, while fully respecting ethical principles prohibiting any financial reward.
This is a qualitative, monocentric study based on semi-structured interviews with individuals who have donated a kidney. The interviews will focus on donors' motivations, their personal experience of donation, and their opinions about different possible forms of post-donation recognition. Interviews will be recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and perspectives.
The main endpoint is the identification of thematic categories related to donors' perception of post-donation recognition and its potential impact on their experience. Secondary objectives include exploring donors' expectations regarding societal gratitude, their views on the symbolic value of such recognition, and the potential influence on future donor engagement.
The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the ethical reflection surrounding the acknowledgment of living donors, support initiatives promoting non-financial recognition, and help develop respectful and meaningful ways of expressing societal gratitude toward those who make the gift of life possible.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
- Model description
- Monocentric cohort of Living donors of Kidney
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Living donors of Kidney | Other | Behavioral: Semi-structured qualitative interviewThis cohort includes individuals who have donated a kidney at Hôpital Saint-Louis between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2025, as well as individuals currently engaged in a living kidney donation process with a nephrectomy planned before June 30, 2026, in the same institution. Participants will take part in semi-structured qualitative interviews exploring their perceptions and experiences related to post-donation recognition. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Individuals who have donated a kidney at Hôpital Saint-Louis between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2025, or are currently engaged in a living kidney donation process with nephrectomy scheduled before June 30, 2026.
- Age ≥ 18 years.
- Able to provide informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Refusal or opposition to participate in the study.
- Individuals under legal protection (guardianship, curatorship, or legal safeguard).
- Individuals deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative decision.
- Individuals under 18 years of age.
- Kidney donation performed in a hospital other than Hôpital Saint-Louis.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-structured qualitative interviewParticipants will take part in a one-on-one semi-structured qualitative interview exploring their experiences and perceptions related to living kidney donation and potential forms of post-donation recognition. The interview guide includes open-ended questions addressing: * Personal motivations for donation; * Emotional and relational experiences throughout the donation process; * Ethical perceptions of living donation; * Views on symbolic recognition (e.g., commemorative medal, public acknowledgment, ceremony); * Perceptions of paired kidney donation (KPD); * Social representations of living donation in their personal environment and in society. Interviews will last approximately 45 to 60 minutes and will be conducted either in person at Hôpital Saint-Louis or via secure videoconference. All interviews will be recorded, transcribed verbatim, anonymized, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis (NVivo or equivalent software). | Behavioural | Living donors of Kidney |
Primary outcome
Themes related to donor perceptions of post-donation recognition
Time frame: At baseline
Inductive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with living kidney donors, identifying key themes and subthemes related to their perception of post-donation recognition or symbolic rewards (e.g., commemorative medal, public acknowledgment).
6 secondary outcomes
Perceptions of Kidney Paired Donation (KPD)
Time frame: At baseline
Initial Motivations for Donation
Time frame: At baseline
Experience of the Donation Pathway
Time frame: At baseline
Ethical Perceptions of Living Donation and Symbolic Recognition
Time frame: At baseline
Social Representations of Living Donation
Time frame: At baseline
Barriers or Reluctance Toward Kidney Paired Donation
Time frame: At baseline
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 Nov 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Emilien Seizilles de Mazancourt, MD contact
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Semi-structured qualitative interview in people with Kidney Transplantation and Nephrectomy,Kidney Donation, run by Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Nov 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Emilien Seizilles de Mazancourt, MD (+33(0)1.42.49.96.14 ext. +33, emilien.seizillesdemazancourt@aphp.fr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Themes related to donor perceptions of post-donation recognition (time frame: At baseline). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Nov 2025.