Introduction: Public trust serves as the cornerstone for sustainable development in various social donation systems. However, the construction of trust system is continuous and difficult. This paper delves into the multifaceted trust demands of the public, donors, and their families, encompassing interpersonal, institutional, social, and supervisory dimensions. We advocate relevant organizations and professionals at all levels to be guided by these trust needs, aiming to break the trust crisis and collectively steer the organ donation cause towards sustainable development through the construction of two major support systems centered on the public and donors' families.
Method: As of March 2024, the number of registered for organ donation has increased from 1,087 in 2010 to over 6.6 million. This study conducted a literature search and collation of relevant keywords. This investigation aimed to assess the public's cognition, attitude, and willingness towards organ donation, with a special focus on the psychological experiences and needs of donors' families.
Results: This study indicates that the lack of trust in the donation system among the public and donors' families is one of the main reasons for their refusal to donate. Based on an extensive study of donation and transplantation systems across various regions and long-term professional experience, it is evident that the understanding and demands for trust among the public and donors' families are diverse and multi-faceted. These include trust demands towards relevant professionals (interpersonal trust), trust in the system (institutional trust), trust in society, and trust in supervisory mechanisms. Therefore, the "trust demands" of the general public and donor families should guide our actions. To achieve this, it is necessary to establish two major support systems centered on them. Firstly, a collaborative mechanism should be established between the Red Cross at various levels, health commissions, legislative and law enforcement agencies, as well as relevant departments and industry associations. Secondly, a mutual support system should be established among medical professionals, patients (including volunteers, donors, and their families), social organizations, and the media. By combining these two systems, we can meet the trust demands of the general public and donors' families towards relevant professionals, the system, and society.
Conclusion: With the promulgation and continuous improvement of relevant laws and regulations, China has initially established a system for organ donation and transplantation. This system is subject to supervision and restraint from various sources, including legal, ethical, administrative, and media measures. We advocate and unite all parties to take this as the guiding principle for action to build a trust system centered on the public and donors' families for supporting the sustainable and healthy development of the donation and transplantation.