Increasing Transplant Organ Supply Through Uncontrolled Donation After Cardiac Death

This study would suggest that a publicly accepted approach to uDCD would be to require consent prior to organ preservation, even if this is not legally or ethically required. Should uDCD Protocols Be Pursued In The US? Uncontrolled donation after cardiac death protocols provide an opportunity to expand the organ donor pool, thereby decreasing waiting list time and improving outcomes for potential organ recipients. Given that the waiting list for organ donation has not significantly changed in the past several years, and thousands of people continue to die or have a poor quality of life while awaiting organs, efforts should continue to be made to increase the donor pool. Uncontrolled donation after cardiac death could be a viable option for increasing the donor pool but potential legal and ethical challenges must be addressed. Specifically, consent requirements for organ preservation must be established prior to beginning uDCD programs.
Source: Health Affairs Blog - Category: Health Management Authors: Tags: Featured Health Professionals Hospitals Organization and Delivery Population Health Bioethics cardiac death health care law next of kin organ donation organ transplants Source Type: blogs