Lessons Learned From Implementation and Management of Skin Allograft Banking Programs in Low- and Middle-Income...

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Transplantation Science
• Global Health

Background:

• Large burns significantly impact patient survival, with limited access to allografts in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) exacerbating this challenge.
• Biologic dressings and wound excision are vital for burn patient survival, but allograft availability remains a critical issue in resource-limited settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and synthesize lessons learned from establishing and maintaining skin tissue banks in LMICs.
• To provide guidance for system planning and organization to improve allograft availability for burn patients in LMICs.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and WHO Catalog using terms related to skin, allografts, and tissue banks in LMICs.
• Narrative synthesis of data extracted from 33 reports across 17 countries detailing tissue banking programs.

Main Results:

• Common barriers included high costs, insufficient training, opt-in donation systems, and sociocultural stigma.
• Successful implementation requires strategic investments in governance, regulatory structures, international cooperation, training, standardized protocols, and public awareness campaigns.

Conclusions:

• Improving skin allograft availability in LMICs necessitates addressing financial, educational, and societal barriers through targeted interventions.
• Capacity-building and stakeholder engagement are essential to increase donation and transplantation rates, ultimately enhancing burn care globally.