What is a clinical/counselling psychologist?
Psychology is the study of why people behave, think and feel as they do. In physical health settings psychologists use their knowledge of psychology to help patients cope and feel better in relation to their physical health problems or an upcoming medical procedure.
Clinical and counselling psychologists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This means that they work to high standards and follow professional guidelines. Unlike medical doctors, psychologists do not prescribe medication or use physical treatments. At the Renal Department at Salford Royal Hospital, psychologists routinely complete psychological assessments with potential live kidney donors.
Why am I offered a psychological assessment when I come forward to donate a kidney?
The Renal Department are committed to ensuring potential live donors are not at risk of physical or psychological harm from donating. As part of the live donor assessment process, all potential donors are offered the opportunity to meet with a psychologist for a psychological assessment. This is because donating a kidney can be a big decision to make and sometimes a very emotional process. We want to ensure that the risk of any psychological harm to you is acceptably small and that you are fully supported throughout the process.
The psychological assessment is an opportunity to explore the decision to donate a kidney, the donation assessment process and associated psychological and social issues e.g. family relationships, concerns/worries or long-term impact on your psychological wellbeing. This assessment also provides an opportunity to establish any ways that the team can support you throughout this process.
What will happen when I am referred?
A referral to the renal psychology service should be discussed with you beforehand. Prior to, or during the assessment you will be asked to complete some brief questionnaires. The assessment with the psychologist usually takes 1 to 2 sessions, up to an hour each session. During your appointment, the psychologist will discuss with you many aspects of your life related to donation including your mental health, social support, factors around making the decision to donate and your understanding of the process of donation.
Will my information be confidential?
The psychologist will take notes during or after your appointment, these are separate from your medical records and are stored securely and confidentially. It is routine procedure for the psychologist to provide a summary letter of the appointment for the live donation team involved in your care.
This letter can be helpful in highlighting particular psychological needs which could be addressed in order to support you through the donation process; or which may impact your donation. This letter will be stored with your medical notes. You will be provided with a copy of this letter. If there is anything you want to remain confidential, this will be respected wherever possible, subject to the need to consider the safety of yourself and others.
Sources of further information
www.organdonation.nhs.uk
Department of Clinical Health Psychology on 0161 206 5588 or email jessica.dean@nca.nhs.uk
Date of Review: September 2024
Date of Next Review: September 2026
Ref No: PI_P_1537 (Salford)