Week 6: PJ ethics of transplantation Flashcards
What is the current donatoin system in England?
Opt out system
May also be reffered to as Max and Keiras law
All adults in England are considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when they die unless that have recorded a decision not to or are in one of the excluded groups.
You can still decide to not become a donor but this must be registered on the NHS Organ Donor Register
Are family still involved in organ donation decisions?
Yes
Organs will not be taken before consulting with a the family
Encourage talking to family about your wishes
Faith and beliefs will also be taken into consideration
What does the DNA recommend people who want to be organ donors do?
Register on the NHS organ Donor register so their decision is recorded
Carry an organ donor card
And discuss this decision with your family and friends so they will give consent when you have died.
What organ donations do not fit within the opt out system?
The face, limbs and uterus
Express consent must be given from the individual or family for this as these are considered novel transplants.
What should a person do if they want to donate organs but their family are against it?
Should appoint two people as representatives on their death
This should be recorded on the NHS Organ Donor Register
And requires the representatives to fill out a nominate a representative form in the presence of a witness.
Who can donate organs?
Only 1 in 100 deaths in the UK are suitable to donate organs
Organs must be in a usable condition are transplanted very soon, hence most people need to have died in a hospital intensive care unit or an A&E department.
There is no upper age limit on organ donation
What conditions mean that you cannot become an organ donor?
CJD
Ebola virus disease
Activa cancer (some can donate 3 years into complete cancer remission)
HIV (unless to help other HIV patients)
Having a tattoo within the last 6-12 months
What is the extent of organ shortage?
1/3 people waiting ofr a kidney will receive one
Almost 50% of people on the waiting list will die before they receive a transplant.
Why are kidneys more commonly to be used for black marketing?
Can live with only one
So are able to take one from a living donor
What are the most common routes on black market organ?
Grave robbers
Corrupt hospitals, morges
Exploitation after war, natural disaster or poverty
Used to pay debt.
What are the key factors that are considered when thinking about organ donation policy?
The importance of prevention
The sustainability cost
Number of donors/organs
Survival rates
Cost
Legal framework
What is the cost of renal replacement therapy in the UK?
£17,000 first per and £5,000 per year thereafter
Renal dialysis £30,800 per year
3% NHS budget is spent on renal services
What are some key ethical questions when discussing organ donation?
Where do organs come from?
Role of consent?
Should donation be alturistic?
Organ trade?
Forced donation?
Allocation of organs?
When is a person dead?
Who owns a dead body?
Resources-dialysis is more expensive than transplantation - is there an ethical obligation to donate?
