Potential Organ Donor Concept Is Developing in Emergency Departments: Gazi University Hospital Experience

Abstract 

Introduction

The gap between cadaver organ donation and waiting list forces us to develop new strategies. Many institutions have turned to emergency departments (ED).

Methods

Patients evaluated as potential organ donors were studied prospectively.

Results

Organ Procurement Organizations (OPO) were established in 2006. The Transplantation Department has two coordinators who initiated educational seminars and organized campaigns to improve public awareness about organ donation. A new law that it was mandatory to declare brain death for donors has been accepted. Thereafter, 19 patients were assessed as potential donors, 6 of whom were from the ED. Family consent was obtained for harvest from 9.

Discussion

Deaths in the ED are often sudden, unexpected, and traumatic, involving young patients. The emergency physician (EP) has an obligation to care for a dying person to the best of one’s abilities. Then, the duty of care is owed to the relatives and friends of the deceased to meet their needs. Finally, the EP should use resources of the health care system in the most efficient manner. Any patient who has been declared brain dead or is scheduled to be taken off life-support measures should be seen as a candidate for transplantation. The coordination between the EP and OPO can change a life lost at the ED into a source of light for others waiting for transplantation. Emergency staff must be alert while evaluating people suffering sudden traumatic and medical death for the possibility that they might be added to the donor pool.

Conclusion

Educational support and proper management from OPO-like organizations to emergency medical staff will provide better outcomes.