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Non-heart-beating organ donation: process and review
J M Edwards1, R D Hasz, V M Robertson
1Delaware Valley Transplant Program, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA.
AACN Clinical Issues
|December 1, 1999
Summary
Non-heart-beating organ donation (NHBD) offers a vital solution to the organ shortage crisis. This established donation method, where organs are recovered after death is pronounced by cardiopulmonary criteria, is crucial for meeting transplant needs.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation Medicine
- Organ Procurement
- Bioethics
Background:
- Addressing the critical national shortage of donor organs for over 60,000 patients awaiting transplants.
- Re-evaluation of non-heart-beating organ donation (NHBD) by organ procurement organizations as a viable solution.
- Clarifying that NHBD is a foundational, not novel, procedure in modern clinical transplantation.
Observation:
- NHBD involves organ recovery from deceased individuals pronounced by cardiopulmonary criteria.
- Misconceptions exist among healthcare providers regarding NHBD being a new procedure due to recent media coverage.
- The article details NHBD evaluation, the donation process, and ethical considerations.
Findings:
- NHBD is a well-established practice, not a new one, forming the basis of current transplantation.
- Advance practice nurses play a key role in guiding families through end-of-life decisions related to NHBD.
- The study includes a case study and outcomes data on patient and graft survival post-transplant.
Implications:
- NHBD is essential for increasing organ availability and improving transplant recipient outcomes.
- Understanding NHBD procedures and ethical considerations is vital for healthcare professionals.
- The role of advance practice nurses is critical in supporting families during the NHBD decision-making process.