Why should people be trained to talk with families of organ donors?
Conversation with families should be done by people trained in the process because it increases the chances of donation considerably
What are the ethical principles considered with organ donations?
Donation is an act of altruism
A person’s wishes about donation must be respected
Families are given time to consider and discuss their views
Families are supported and cared for throughout the process
The donor is always treated with respect an dignity
Organs and tissues are allocated fairly following specific processes and criteria
Who can be a donor?
Brain dead
Futile to continue treatment
What is brain death?
Irreversible damage to brain
Unresponsive coma for at least 4 hours
absent brainstem reflexes
Absent respiratory center function
Who does the clinical testing prior to organ donation?
Specialist in relevant field and doctor who has had at least 5 years exp
What is circulatory death?
Cessation of circulation (<90 min)
5 mins observation
Declaration of death
Who can’t be an organ donor?
HIV
Active cancer
History of malignant melanoma
Uncontrolled sepsis
Who can’t be a tissue donor?
Haematological malignancies
Risk factors for HIV, Hep B or Hep C
CJD
Neurodegenerative diseases
