Articles tagged with Organ Donation
A new international study documents the physiology of dying and confirms that death is an irreversible process. The DePPaRT study found that cardiac activity often stops and restarts several times during the dying process, but no one regained sustained circulation or consciousness. This provides evidence to support the current standard...
Researchers analyzed national organ transplant data from 2008 to 2017 and found a wide variation in organ procurement organizations' efficiency. They proposed three new metrics that would give a more accurate and equitable representation of performance, highlighting the need for improved evaluation of the organ donation system.
A new study warns of the power of social influence in shaping organ donation decisions, revealing the 'lone wolf' effect where individuals opting out trigger a cascade of similar behavior. The researchers found that people are more likely to opt out if they perceive others doing so.
Researchers found that marketing mix elements mitigate sacrifice, engaging individuals in donation tasks and increasing likelihood of continued giving. Nonprofit organizations can address various types of sacrifice using product, place, price, promotion, people, and process components.
A new study found that a 'soft opt-out' system for organ donation increased consent rates by 2.1 times compared to England, with the impact taking several years to be fully realized. The Welsh system allowed organs to be donated without explicit consent from patients or their families.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that using altruistic terminology may not be effective in targeting non-donors. Instead, focusing on a sense of social obligation could lead to better cut-through rates. The researchers also discovered that blood donors tend to have higher primary prosocial characteristics like altruism and empathy.
A new study led by Australian National University researchers casts doubt on China's reported organ donation numbers, suggesting they may be falsified using a simple mathematical formula. The study found anomalies in the data that are difficult to explain, raising the possibility of deliberate manipulation.
A new study from the University of Michigan suggests that an opt-out organ donation policy could alleviate some of the burden on US waiting lists, but its impact would be marginal. The researchers found that such a policy could potentially translate to large gains in life years for thousands of patients awaiting organ transplantation.
A new study in INFORMS journal Management Science proposes a two-part method combining the donor-priority rule and freeze-period to increase organ quality and quantity. The solution is estimated to boost social welfare by $235 million a year and add 18 years to patient life expectancy, while increasing organ availability by 13%.
A recent study from the University of Texas at Austin suggests that a priority rule for organ donors could lead to a decline in the quality of donated organs. The researchers propose a solution of a 'freeze period' to ensure a higher organ supply without compromising quality.
A new publication provides recommendations for policy makers to support organ and tissue donation in patients who choose medical assistance in dying or withdrawal of life-sustaining measures. The guidelines emphasize the importance of protecting patient autonomy, ensuring consent is informed and withdrawn at any time.
A recent study found substantial variability in organ donation from drug-intoxication-related deaths, with major increases reported in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southwest. The research estimates that 6.24 hearts are recovered from every 1,000 lives lost to drug intoxication.
A new special report explores the definition of death, including the controversy over brain death and its implications for organ transplantation. Leading experts discuss areas of ongoing debate, such as whether brain-dead organ donors are truly dead.
A new study found that around one in 10 people are considering opting out of a proposed new system that aims to increase organ donation by presuming consent. The research suggests that campaigns targeting feelings and emotions may be more effective than interventions that present facts.
A recent study by Brigham and Women's Hospital reveals a sharp increase in organ donations from US donors who died of drug intoxication. Despite concerns over the sensitivity of these organs to blood supply restrictions, survival rates are similar to those for other causes of death.
Despite efforts to streamline the process, UK child organ donation rates have failed to rise, with many families of dying children not being considered as donors. The authors argue that family refusal remains a major obstacle and call for improved consent rates and support for family decision-making.
A new study published in CMAJ found that organ donation in Ontario rose 57% since 2006, primarily due to the introduction of a policy allowing donation after circulatory functions cease. The study suggests that this increase has led to a positive impact on transplant activity and the overall number of donors.
Scientists mapped B-cell clone populations across the human body, discovering two broad networks that influence immune responses. The findings provide a new foundation for infectious disease research and could lead to tissue-specific immune monitoring assays.
Researchers found significant discrepancies in how potential donors are evaluated and identified across the US. They propose two new metrics: evaluating donation percentage and tracking organs transplanted per possible donor, which could help identify high-performing OPOs and improve donation rates.
Experts say international variation in brain death definition must be cleared up to improve management of patients at end-of-life and increase successful organ donation. A universal definition and procedure are needed to reduce confusion and restore professional and public trust.
A study by Maastricht University Medical Center found that up to 10% of patients undergoing euthanasia in Belgium could be potential organ donors. This estimate suggests that donation after euthanasia could significantly ease the organ shortage, potentially increasing available organs from 684 to over 1,400.
Research suggests that high-volume medical centers can recover significantly more organs from deceased donors than low-volume centers. On average, these hospitals have an organ yield rate of 0.4 higher than low-volume centers. This could lead to recovering an additional 3,000 vital organs yearly.
The Spanish system has made organ donation a routine consideration when a patient dies, with professionals exploring patients' wishes regarding organ donation. The model's success lies in its coordination and organization, making it applicable to other countries with adaptations depending on the healthcare system and factors.
A new study reveals that people favor policies that reward voluntary behavior and create advantages, while opposing those that punish obligatory behavior or create disadvantages. By understanding this 'matching effect,' policymakers can improve policy acceptance rates.
Film and television often provide misleading information on brain death, which can lead to inaccurate public understanding. Neurologists recommend improved productions that balance entertainment with accurate information about organ donation.
Researchers have identified three objective criteria to quickly identify patients with zero chance of survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) who can be considered for organ donation. These criteria include lack of witness emergency medical services personnel, nonshockable initial cardiac rhythm, and failure to return spont...
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing a new approach to stabilize donor limb and tissue biology after brain death, which could lead to improved success rates in transplantation. The goal is to increase the number of viable organs available for transplant, addressing a pressing need in the field.
A new practical manual provides guidance on combining euthanasia with organ donation after death, addressing medical and logistical aspects within Dutch law. The manual aims to educate healthcare professionals about this real option, enabling them to follow proper steps.
The 13th biennial Congress of the International Xenotransplantation Association showcased significant breakthroughs in xenotransplantation, including the survival of cardiac, kidney, and pancreatic islet cell xenografts for extended periods. New technology to improve animal donor safety was also presented.
The NYU Langone team performed a groundbreaking face transplant on volunteer firefighter Patrick Hardison, restoring his sight and enabling him to perform daily tasks independently. The surgery involved the transplantation of the entire scalp, eyelids, and muscles, marking significant milestones in the field.
A consultant nephrologist criticizes Wales' upcoming opt-out organ donation system, citing concerns over a lack of commitment among potential donors. He believes that more radical solutions are needed to increase organ donation and argues that the current system may not be effective in addressing these issues.
A recent study suggests that community-level differences in organ donor designation can be explained by sociodemographic and social capital measures. Neighborhoods with lower social capital, such as high racial segregation and violent crime, tend to have lower organ donor registration rates.
Researchers found that mild hypothermia in deceased organ donors significantly reduces delayed graft function in kidney transplant recipients by nearly 40%. This intervention could lead to an increase in the availability of kidneys for transplant and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers found that state policies on organ donation and transplantation had virtually no effect on rates of organ donation and transplantation in the US. Only revenue policies, which allow individuals to contribute to protected state funds for donation promotion activities, were associated with a 5.3% increase in transplants.
A University of Toronto study finds that compensation for organ donation can increase public approval by 20-70%, but providing information on benefits has little impact on attitudes towards indoor prostitution. The research highlights the importance of context-specific information in changing moral attitudes towards morally charged mar...
New research reveals wide variability in organ donation rates across the US, with Midwest having the highest rates and New York State having the lowest. If consent rates were to increase in low-performing areas, nearly 2,700 lifesaving transplants could be made available.
A study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that there are nearly 400 HIV-positive potential organ donors in the US who could provide life-saving organs for HIV-positive patients. The study estimates that these donors could reduce the waiting time for transplants, but the quality of their organs is a concern.
A study explores the quality of organs from HIV-positive donors for potential transplant use in the US, finding that donor kidneys may be of reduced quality. The study suggests nearly 400 potential organ donors might be available annually, but long-term viability and hepatitis C virus infection could impact organ health.
The US transplant organ shortage continues to grow, with thousands on waiting lists for 5 years or more. Medical leaders propose removing financial disincentives and exploring incentives like health insurance post-donation to ensure donor safety. However, there is ongoing debate about the ethics of introducing financial payments.
A UK hospital performed the world's first successful organ donation from a newborn, involving kidney and liver cell transplants. The donor was just over 3 kg at birth and had poor brain oxygenation, leading to her death; however, her parents agreed to donate her organs for other patients in need.
Simple screenings of organ donors can help minimize the risk of Ebola transmission through organ donation. Experts recommend excluding individuals who have recently traveled to or worked in countries where Ebola is active for a 21-day period before they can donate organs.
A US policy giving priority to prior organ donors has been shown to significantly reduce waiting times and improve the quality of organs received. Living donors who later need a transplant experience much shorter waits and receive higher-quality kidneys compared to those on the waiting list without donation history.
A targeted outreach effort increased consent rates for organ donation by 27% among Hispanic Americans, compared to a 17% increase in the non-Hispanic population. The intervention resulted in over 25,000 contacts and led to a significant increase in organ donations from this demographic.
A study found that physicians in Ontario, Canada were more likely to be registered for deceased organ donation than matched citizens or the general public. The majority of registered physicians, 47%, were more likely to register due to younger age and female status.
Research by the American Psychological Association found that people are more likely to register as organ donors if they have positive attitudes specifically about registering, rather than just supporting the idea of organ donation. Attitudes measured in surveys were key predictors of behavior.
A study found that American Muslims' negative religious outlooks hinder their willingness to donate organs, while Arab Americans showed a greater acceptance. The research highlights the need for open discussion within the Muslim community and with medical authorities to address complex issues around religion and organ donation.
A new study by transplant surgeons at Washington University School of Medicine found that moving organ donors from hospitals to a regional stand-alone facility significantly reduces costs and improves efficiency. The average cost of retrieving a liver dropped 37% after the change, while travel time for surgeons was reduced from 8 hours...
A new study reveals that US organ procurement organizations' implementation of First Person Authorization (FPA) has been inconsistent and incomplete. Despite legal backing from state laws, half the groups surveyed did not have a written policy for handling family objections.
A new study published in CMAJ found that the odds of patients with brain injury deteriorating to neurologic death decreased over a 10-year period, likely due to improved care and prevention measures such as road safety initiatives and enhanced clinical care.
A research campaign aimed at increasing organ donor registrations showed a statistically significant increase in the number of people registering to donate. The campaign, which used multiple messages and volunteers, was implemented at 20 Department of Motor Vehicles facilities in Illinois.
A new social media initiative helped boost organ donor registration rates in the US, with a 21.1-fold increase on the first day of the campaign. The study suggests that social media can be an effective tool for tackling public health problems related to communication and education.
A social media campaign on Facebook increased organ donor registrations 21-fold in a single day, with over 57,000 users sharing their status and more than 13,000 new online registrations. The effect continued for two weeks, with the number of new donors still climbing at twice the normal rate.
A new Mayo Clinic survey reveals that support for living and deceased organ donation is increasing. Eighty-four percent would consider donating a kidney to a close friend or family member, while 49% would donate to someone they've never met.
A study found a significant shortfall in organ donations at large general hospitals in Ontario compared to those treating transplant recipients. The rate was 1.4 per 100 deaths, significantly lower than the 5.0 per 100 deaths at transplant hospitals.
Columbia University researchers have created the first-ever atlas of immune cells in the human body, providing a unique view of T lymphocyte distribution and function. The study found that T cells are highly compartmentalized, with each tissue having its own complement of T cells.
A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that state tax incentives for living organ donors did not increase donation rates. Despite these policies, there remain significant shortages in available organs for transplant, highlighting the need for further measures to address this issue.
A study highlights the urgent need to increase organ donations from black and minority ethnic (BME) groups due to disparities in access and waiting times. BME patients face longer waits for transplants due to differences in tissue types and blood groups.
Research suggests that improving family consent for organ donation could increase rates, with studies showing that only 50% of donors discuss wishes with a family member. Addressing negative beliefs and providing education on brain death can positively impact consent rates.
New Johns Hopkins research suggests that presumed consent legislation is unlikely to increase organ donation rates in the US. The study found that countries with presumptive consent laws do not have dramatically different organ donation processes than those without such laws.
A 22-year retrospective analysis of brain dead organ donors in the Netherlands found that discussing donation with relatives earlier may negatively impact consent rates. The introduction of the Donor Register in 1998 increased patient-consent rates seven-fold, from 5.7% to 41%.