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Can cadaveric organ donation rates be improved?
J F Thompson1, A D Hibberd, P J Mohacsi
1Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, N.S.W.
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Improving organ donation requires addressing barriers like family refusal and ICU workload. A "required response" system could better honor donor wishes within current Australian laws to increase cadaveric organ donation rates.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Transplantation Medicine
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Numerous factors impede the conversion of potential cadaveric organ donors into actual donors.
- These include next-of-kin refusal, misjudgments of medical suitability, and intensive care unit (ICU) workload constraints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify current barriers to organ donation in Australia.
- To propose strategies for improving cadaveric organ donation rates within the existing legislative framework.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing Australian legislation and codes of practice related to organ donation.
- Discussion of alternative legislative models such as "required request" and "presumed consent" in relation to ethical considerations and donor wishes.
Main Results:
- Current practices and attitudes present significant opportunities for enhancing organ donation.
- A shift in perspective regarding ventilation for patients with hopeless prognoses who wish to donate could increase donor numbers.
- Existing legislation allows for improvements in organ donation rates.
Conclusions:
- Implementing a "required response" system could ensure donor intent is known and honored.
- Improvements in cadaveric organ donation are achievable by optimizing current practices and legislation.
- Ethical considerations surrounding organ donation legislation require careful navigation.