Resources
- Almassi, B. (2014). Trust and the Duty of Organ Donation. Bioethics, 28(6), pp.275-283.
- Healey, J. (2011). Organ and tissue donation. 1st ed. Thirroul, N.S.W.: Spinney Press.
- National Health Service. (2016). Organ Donation and Transplantation. Available at https://nhsbtdbe.blob.core.windows.net/umbraco-assets/1343/annual_stats.pdf (Accessed 12 Jan 2017).
- S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2013). 2012 National Survey of Organ Donation Attitudes and Behaviors. Available at https://www.organdonor.gov/dtcp/nationalsurveyorgandonation.pdf (Accessed 06 Jan 2017).
Introduction
- Background Information & Outline of the Problem/ Situation
There has been an increasingly mysterious drop in the turnout of persons for organ or tissue transplant or donation. Studies have shown that transplant and donation can be performed both in deceased and live donors (Almassi, 2014). However, there are multiple beliefs and misconceptions that are aligned to these activities. This has greatly attributed to the decline in organ donation, precisely
- The aim of the Report
The objective of this study is to determine factors that exacerbate or deter individuals from donating their organs despite the medical and technological advancements associated with this practice. Ethical issues associated with this practice are also to be put straight.
Findings
Main Point 1: Insufficient education on the advantages and specifics of organ donation
The number of organ transplants in the U.K. decreased from 6943 in 2015 to 6462 in 2016 despite a rise in the number of patients in the waiting list as reported by the National Health Service (2016). Despite previous studies showing that there has been an increase in the number of people who need kidney transplants, there was a decrease in the number of transplants in 2016 (5053) from 5467 in 2015 (National Health Service, 2016). A key reason for this decline has been insufficient sensitization on the benefits of organ donation, its effects, and the statistics of the health of past donors. Most potential donors fear that donating their organs may affect their health in the long run (Almassi, 2014).
Main Point 2: Failure of institutions in charge of the practice to perform regular check-up and follow-up of registered donors
As highlighted by a survey by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2013), there is an increase in donor registration from 17.2% in 2005 to 29.7% in 2012 without rhyming increase in organ donation itself. Some were willing to donate but the institutions did not take the initiative to ensure they take part in the process. Donors, on the other side, did not turn up in health institutions to donate their organs as they had agreed before.
Main Point 3: Misconceptions about Organ Donation
There are many individuals who give excuses that their religion does not support organ donation. The religions that are against the practice only form 0.89% of the world’s population (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2013). Some do not even know whether their religions support organ donation or not, while some have made assumptions that they cannot donate organs if they are old or not healthy. Each person has the ability of donating their organs – even smokers donate organs. Some registered members also think that doctors can remove their organs when they are in death stages. Brain death is the legally and medically way of determining death; it is only at this stage that organs can be removed.
Ideas for Conclusion
From the research, there are a variety of reasons responsible for the low turnout among donors. The reasons include; failure of institutions in charge of the practice to perform regular check-up and follow-up of registered donors; and misconceptions based on religion and customs on tissue or organ donation.
Ideas for Recommendation
- Increased organ donation sensitization and education programs.
- There is a need for the Health Department to set aside funds to help encourage more people to donate organs and not rely on family members and friends to look for possible donors.
- Education in schools, media, and public centers should be enforced to help provide key specifics on organ donation, its advantages, and effects.
- Increased follow-up measures on registered donors to ensure their successfully donate their organs.
- Bodies in charge of organ donation, registered members, medical practitioners, and family members of those registered should work hand in hand to ensure that registered members honor their promises by walking into the donation centers and donating their organs.
- Once registered, members should also enjoy privileges such as free treatment in those health centers.
- Including religious leaders as stakeholders in managing organ donation foundations and organizations: Incorporating leaders in bodies governing the process will provide them an opportunity to help end these misconceptions given their key role and respect in the society.
