J Korean Med Assoc.  2006 Jun;49(6):486-492. 10.5124/jkma.2006.49.6.486.

Program to Activate the Notification of the Potential Donors

• Ha HS

• KMID: 2137828
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2006.49.6.486

Abstract

Transplantation has developed as an established treatment modality for endstage organ diseases. However, the shortage of available organs remains the main obstacle to organ transplantation. The big discrepancy between the number of potential recipients on the waiting list and cadaveric transplantations has become a serious issue in Korea. The first step in the process of cadaveric organ donation is the identification of potential donors. The identification and notification of potential donors are essential for the activation of cadaveric organ donations. To increase the number of brain dead donors following components are critical: the increase of public understanding of organ donation, improvement of legal and systematic processes, establishment of a donor action program, interests and cooperation of attending physicians, and management of an organ donation process focused on donor families. Public education and campaign are also crucial to the understanding of brain death and organ donation. To improve legal and systematic processes, required referrals or routine notifications are advisable. Also, presumed consent is necessary to decrease the psychological stress on donor families during the agreement process. For the effective management of a donor action program, an education program to well-train medical staff and medical record reviews should be maintained. In conclusion, a comprehensive donor action program including a practical donor detection system, an education program, and improvement of the organ donation system are mandatory to increase the cadaveric organ donations effectively.

Keyword

Transplantation; Brain death; Potential donor

MeSH Terms

Brain Death
Cadaver
Education
Humans
Korea
Medical Records
Medical Staff
Organ Transplantation
Presumed Consent
Referral and Consultation
Stress, Psychological
Tissue and Organ Procurement
Tissue Donors*
Transplantation
Transplants
Waiting Lists

Figure

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  Figure 1 Number of organ transplants and waiting list

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  Figure 2 Number of brain dead donors

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  Figure 3 Number of donors available pmp per country in 2004 (pmp: per million of population)

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