How to Improve Organ Donation in China at the Current Stage. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: She, Xingguo; Li, Cai; Yang, Min; Ming, Yingzi
• Is Part Of: Transplantation. Volume 101(2017)Supplement 8S-2
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Transplantation of organs, tissues, etc -- Periodicals; Transplantation immunology -- Periodicals; 617.95
• DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000525008.05496.71
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0041-1337

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: The shortage of organs is a worldwide challenge to transplantation. To alleviate such organ shortage and keep pace with the world's development and experience on organ transplantation, the pilot program of organ donation after cardiac death (DCD) has been carried out in China, with support and attention from the Chinese government. Methods: More than one thousand cases of potential DCD donors since 2010 in Hunan Province were retrospectively analyzed. The reasons for failure of organ donation were summarized, through analyzing process of donation. Results: With the joint efforts of the government and medical workers, a notable amount of achievement has been made in DCD work. However, some difficulties still restrict organ donation rates. Firstly, resistance to organ donation in China is often due to the conventional view among citizens. Secondly, some medical workers don't fully understand the definition and diagnosis criteria of brain death, and therefore do not uphold and promote DCD work. Thirdly, the national government has issued numerous supporting regulations and established systems for organ transplantation, but existing laws and institutions for organ transplantation fail to implement and remain defective. Flaws in the current Chinese social security system have also raised difficulties in the development of organ donation. Conclusion: Education on DCD should be enhanced among both citizens and donation-related doctors. The departments concerned are required to cooperate effectively, and DCD-related organizations should be de-administrated or better off isolated from transplant hospitals, while DCD-related laws and regulations for should be perfected. Although China's organ donation is still immature, DCD is certainly a goal that should be pursued. The One Study.