Importance of Organ Donation
... families’ refusal to consent to patient organ donation may be a factor in limiting the availability of organs. A study conducted by researchers at Case Western Reserve University and the University of Pittsburgh found that: • Families who knew about the patient wishes were seven times more likely to donate organs. • Families who were kept updated about their loved ones’ condition and got timely and detailed information on organ donation were five times more likely to donate. • Families who met with organ donation professionals about the donation process were more than three times as likely to donate in spite of other negating factors such as sociodemographics or preconceived attitudes. • Families who first met with the health care provider and then the organ donation professional were almost three times as likely to consent to donate organs. In addition, the authors concluded that the study supports regulations implemented in August 1998 by the Health Care Financing Administration, now known as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, requiring that only trained organ donation professionals approach families about donation requests. (Healthcare Research and Quality, 2001). Each day, 63 people receive an organ transplant, but another 16 people on the waiting list die because the organs aren’t available. As of August 2003, in the United States there are over: • 55,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant • 17,000 people waiting for a liver transplant • 3,000 people waiting for a heart and lung transplant Experts suggest that each of us could save or help as many as 50 people by being an organ donor. If you are 18 years or older, you can show you want to be an organ donor by signing a donor card or telling family members. If you are under age 18, you must have a parent’s or guardian’s consent. There are no age limits on who can donate. The kidney, heart, liver, lung, pancreas, intestine, cornea, skin, bone and bone marrow are all organs and tissue that can be donated. (www.4wman.gov). Following are some myths and facts about being an organ donor (www.organdonor.gov): Myth – Donation will mutilate my body. Fact – Donated organs are removed surgically in a routine operation similar to gallbladder or appendix removal. Donation doesn’t disfigure the body or change the way it looks in a casket. Myth – My family will be charged for donating my organs. Fact – Donation costs nothing to the donor’s family or estate. Myth – If I am in an accident and the hospital knows that I want ...