Transplant coordination in Russia: first experience.

Area of Science:

• Transplantology
• Public Health
• Medical Systems

Background:

• Russian transplantology lags globally due to reduced organ donation over the past decade.
• Post-Soviet mistrust and the "command form" of organ donation created negative public perception.
• Historical organ procurement methods violated ethical considerations, impacting public trust.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a new model for organ donation coordination in Russia.
• To improve the quantity and quality of organ donations through enhanced collaboration.
• To address the organ donation crisis stemming from public mistrust and outdated practices.

Main Methods:

• Establishment of a regional transplant coordination system in Northwest Russia in 2006.
• Inclusion of regional procurement centers and local hospital coordinators.
• Securing local government financial support for the coordination initiative starting in 2007.

Main Results:

• Significant increase in organ donor numbers observed post-implementation.
• Organ donor rates in Saint Petersburg rose from 2.5 per million in 2005 to 8.7 per million in 2007.
• Qualitative improvements in organ donations were also noted alongside quantitative increases.

Conclusions:

• The implemented transplant coordination model effectively enhanced organ donation rates.
• Professional collaboration and governmental support are crucial for overcoming organ donation crises.
• The new model demonstrates a successful shift from the "command form" to a more trusted donation process.