Alliance NewsOrgan and Tissue DonationCarman Koch D'Agostino, RN, MSN
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| The field of organ transplantation has become
more successful over the past years due to improved operative techniques and advances in
immunosuppression. These advances have allowed transplantation to be viewed as a safe and
therapeutic form of treatment for those suffering from end stage organ failure. During
1999, over 15,000 transplants were performed in the United States. Many more benefited
from tissue and corneal transplantation. However, over the past years, it has become
increasingly evident that the primary impediment to progress in organ and tissue
transplantation is not a lack of technology, but rather a lack of donor organs and
tissues. As of March 11, 2000, the United Network for Organ Sharing reported that the number of patients on the National Transplant Waiting List totals over 68, 371. Sadly, as these patients hope for a medical miracle, nine will die each day as they wait for an organ transplant. Several reasons have been cited as significant factors contributing to the shortage of available organs and tissues: the healthcare professional's failure to pursue potential donors and the public's lack of knowledge about organ and tissue donation. Most people express favorable attitudes toward donation. In one recent Gallup poll, 69% of adults in the United States said that they would like to be an organ and tissue donor. In order to facilitate this desire, the healthcare professional must ensure that every family is given the option to donate at the time of their loved one's death. More importantly, according to the 1984 National Organ Transplant Act, families have the legal right to be offered the opportunity of donation upon the death of their loved one. Further, as of 1999, the Health Care Financing Administration requires that hospitals report all deaths to their federally designated Organ Procurement Organization before donation is discussed with the potential donor family. Additionally, the person who initiates, or discusses the option of donation to the donor family must be a designated and trained requester. Just as a greater emphasis for donation awareness is being placed on the professional community, an equal amount of time is being devoted to improving the public's awareness of organ and tissue donation. The week of April 16-22, 2000 has been nationally proclaimed as National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week. This week creates a time for people to talk about donation and to share the decision with their families. The goal is to spread the message, "Share your Life…Share your Decision" into every community. Whatever your role, as a healthcare professional, or member of the community, you have the power to ensure that at least one more family discusses the option of organ and tissue donation - your own. April, 2000/ Jacksonville Medicine
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