Organ Donations - Facts and Information

Organ Donations - Facts and Information Organ donation is a very controversial subject to discuss with someone that has a loved one at the end of life, or that has recently passed. Some family members consider it a violation of their family member, and that it is disrespectful to their loved one. There needs to be a trained staff that can speak with the family members, and it needs to be handled in a very delicate manner. In some cases the patient may have already made their wishes known for organ donation, and in many states this is an option on a driver's license. Nurses should be prepared to have this conversation at any given time with a family member.

Related: Get the Facts on Hospice Care If family members do opt to allow organ donation from their loved one, it's imperative to be respectful, and allow them time to compose themselves. If they need to say their goodbyes, permit some alone time.

Despite continuing efforts at public education, misconceptions and inaccuracies about donation persist. Learn these facts to better understand organ, eye and tissue donation: Informative Facts Fact: A national computer system and strict standards are in place to ensure ethical and fair distribution of organs. Organs are matched by blood and tissue typing, organ size, medical urgency, waiting time and geographic location.

Fact: People of all ages and medical histories should consider themselves potential donors. Your medical condition at the time of death will determine what organs and tissue can be donated.

Fact: Organs and tissues that can be donated include: heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, corneas, and skin, tendons, bone, and heart valves.

Fact: Even if you have indicated your wishes on your driver's’ license, state donor registry or a donor card, share your decision with your family so they know your wishes.

Fact: Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most major religions.

Fact: An open-casket funeral is possible for organ and tissue donors.

Fact: There is no cost to the donor’s family or estate for organ and tissue donation.

Fact: If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ donation can only be considered after brain death has been declared by a physician.

Fact: Information about an organ donor is only released to the recipient if the family of the donor requests or agrees to it. Otherwise, a patient’s privacy is maintained for both donor families and recipients.

Fact: Living donation increases the existing organ supply.

Fact: Donors are needed for all races and ethnic groups. Transplant success rates increase when organs are matched between members of the same ethnic background.

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Currently, there are more than 123,000 waiting for a vital organ transplant on the national waiting list; One organ donor can potentially save eight lives; One tissue donor can change and enhance the lives of more than 50 people; An average of 21 men, women, and children die each day waiting for an organ transplant; An example of some areas- In Ohio, more than 3,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant, and hundreds more await tissue transplants; In Kentucky, over 900 people are waiting for an organ transplant; In Indiana, more than 1,400 people are waiting for an organ transplant; In the Greater Cincinnati area, over 700 people wait for a life-saving transplant; More than 1 million people benefit from tissue transplants each year; More than 90% of American adults approve of donation as a viable, life-giving practice; In 2013, more than 28,900 men, women and children received a lifesaving organ transplant thanks to the generosity of a donor;

In 2012, Life Center was directly responsible for 144 organs being transplanted along with tissue donations from 379 donors.

In some cases organ donation goes against religious beliefs, and regardless of need or you own personal beliefs, the family’s wishes should be treated with respect, this is a very personal situation. Many hospitals and medical offices have literature available regarding organ donation, so in most cases the general public is aware of the need, and has developed their own thoughts and feelings toward the matter.

Because time is of the essence with organ transplants, there could be an occasion that a specialist is not available to speak with family members, and if physicians are all busy, the family could direct questions to you as a nurse.

It's good to have the facts and statistics, and should the opportunity prevail, it would be a good idea to attend a training on the subject. The main component of an emergency situation would be to exercise sensitivity, understanding, sympathy, and patience. A list of organ donation facts can be provided to family members, however the sensitivity of an understanding hospital staff can provide comfort to a grieving family.

While organ donation is saving lives daily, there is a downside, and should the topic of purchasing organs for donation ever be brought up in your presence, be advised, this is illegal, and could potentially cost you or any other medical staff involved their license.

For more information visit organ donation sites online that are available through medical facility websites.

Related: Leading Registered Nurse Debra K. Garcia, RN to be Published in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare as New Member of the International Nurses Association Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter