Funding for new online art project to raise awareness of living kidney donation amongst ethnic minority groups

Produced by the Centre of Ethnic Health Research (CEHR) and the National Institute for Health Research(NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East Midlands, the online display will portray people’s personal stories and experiences of living kidney donation through a variety of art, such as paintings, poems and drawings. 

Funded by the NHS Blood and Transplant Community Investment Scheme, the 3D virtual project will primarily target South Asian, African and African Caribbean communities, of which have higher rates of kidney disease, and often need to wait longer for a kidney transplant. 

Previous research has shown that ethnic minority groups may lack knowledge around the organ donation process, particularly in relation to their religion or cultural beliefs, causing them to be more hesitant about organ transplants. 

Research Fellow, Dr Thomas Wilkinson, who is leading the project, said: “We know that health literacy is a significant barrier in ethnic minority groups in accessing quality healthcare and in the engagement of health promotion initiatives. 

“We believe that our innovative, virtual 3D art exhibition will greatly help people of all abilities to engage with the project and develop an understanding for living kidney donation.”

The exhibition, which is due to be available by May, will be interspersed with statistics and information around donation, including the benefits of receiving a living kidney, living with one kidney, addressing misinformation and overcoming barriers. 

Additionally, it will include guidance on raising the subject of kidney donation with your loved ones, with this information tailored to different populations. 

Statistics show that Leicester has one of the largest kidney services in the UK, with approximately 100 kidney transplants taking place in the city each year – a third of which come from living donors. 

The Centre for Ethnic Health Research is working to reduce health inequality in the region by sharing resources and promoting research. The Centre is supported by the University of Leicester and NIHR ARC East Midlands.

To find out more about Living Kidney Donation, please click here: https://tinyurl.com/UniofLeicester.