[Organ donation : Update 2019]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Transplantation Medicine
• Medical Ethics

Background:

• Organ donor numbers in Germany have been declining since 2010, reaching a 20-year low in 2017.
• Germany's organ donor rate (9.7 per million inhabitants) significantly trails other European nations.
• The Deutsche Stiftung Organtransplantation (DSO) has expressed concern over this trend.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the causes behind the decline in organ donation in Germany.
• To identify key strategies for improving organ donor numbers and transplantation rates.
• To advocate for a collaborative approach to address the organ donation crisis.

Main Methods:

• Extensive analyses conducted by DSO in collaboration with donor hospitals.
• Review of organ donor statistics and trends in Germany.
• Assessment of factors influencing organ donor detection and reporting.

Main Results:

• The decline in organ donation is attributed to multiple complex factors.
• Enhanced detection and consistent reporting of potential organ donors are identified as critical improvement levers.
• The current situation hinders meeting patients' wishes for organ donation.

Conclusions:

• A broad societal debate and joint initiative are necessary to revitalize organ donation in Germany.
• Collaboration among medical associations, policymakers, patient groups, and healthcare providers is essential.
• Improving organ donation is vital for patients on waiting lists.