Study on Organ Donations

Results & Discussion Organ Donation By Nouf Aleissa Prince Sultan University College for Women IR 101

Dr. Roz/ Dr. Carmen Medina Section #: 90 Email Address: nyalissa@gmail.com

Purpose of the study

Organ and tissue transplantation is considered one of the most effective forms of medical treatment that saves lives and improves quality of life for patients with organ failure. Most people support organ donation but only one third have registered their wishes to be a donor, despite a number of high profile campaigns in recent years. Many people on the waiting list for organ donation die each year without receiving organs. Therefore, organ donation is a significant issue that requires the public's attention.

The research objectives are to explore motivations for, and barriers to, becoming an organ donor. And to understand to what extent organ donation is a subject ever discussed with family or friends. In addition, to gauge levels of awareness of the organ donation opt-out proposals. Consequently, to spread awareness and hopefully increase organ donation rates.

Research questions and hypothesis

1. Why become an organ donor?

2. Why do people develop negative attitudes towards organ donation?

3. What are the moral issues that people would be facing?

4. Why are organ, tissue and eye donations needed?

5. Is it necessary to inform family members about the decision to donate?

6. When must organs be recovered?

7. Are organ donated before or after death?

H1: most people have a positive attitude towards organ donation and are registered or will register to be an organ donor.

H2: most people do not have a positive attitude towards organ donation and are not registered nor will register to be an organ donor.

Research methodology

The research used both qualitative and quantitative approach to better understand what lies behind opinions on organ donation and the soft opt-out proposal.

The research consisted of an interview and a survey. The interview was carried out with a highly experienced doctor. And the survey was not directed to a specific ethnic group, gender, religion nor culture.

Research findings

The overall aim of this research study was to explore attitudes towards organ donation in general. Participants believed that organ transplantation saved and prolonged lives, improved quality of life for the patient and those close to the individual. Some, however, were uncomfortable thinking about the subject in too much detail. On hearing of the influence the family could have at the point of death, participants regularly took issue with the realization that doctors would not proceed with organ donation if families asked them not to. There was a strong belief that the individual’s choice to opt in should be respected, and that no-one

else should be able to object to that choice. Reflecting overall attitudes towards organ donation among this sample, those who thought that they had joined the Organ Donor Register did so ultimately to help others.

There are a lot of barriers participants may face when deciding to register as organ donors. For example, the lack of prominence the subject had in day-to-day life, busy routines, and anticipating that it would probably be a ‘hassle’ to do so. Also, cultural and religious reasons (for example a desire to return to the earth whole) and personal beliefs. These reasons for not joining the Register were sometimes influenced by the belief of participants’ parents.

Participants tended not to have discussed with family their wishes regarding organ donation. Some believed it was a personal decision and did not need to be discussed with others. However, others experienced serious ill-health in the family or among friends; therefore, strongly believed in the process.

Some stated that the move to an opt-out system would encourage people to consider their own wishes and have those important conversations with family. However, other participants referred to how they were uncomfortable with the idea of presumed consent. A small number of participants spontaneously wondered whether doctors would make as much effort to save a patient if they knew the patient had not opted out.

Data Collection

This part includes a doctor interview discussing different aspects of organ donation. Also, I have held out a survey directed to the general public to asses their opinions towards organ donation and their willingness to register.

Doctor Interview

1. Does donation leave the body disfigured?

Organs and tissue are always removed with the greatest of care and respect for the person. This takes place in a normal operating theatre under the usual conditions. Afterwards the surgical incision is carefully closed and covered by a dressing in the normal way. Tissue can be removed in an operating theatre, mortuary or funeral home. The

operation is carried out by specialist healthcare professionals who always ensure that the donor is treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

2. Can I be a donor if i have an existing medical condition?

Yes, in most circumstances. Having a medical condition does not necessarily prevent a person from becoming an organ or tissue donor. The decision about whether some or all organs or tissue are suitable for transplant is made by a healthcare professional, taking into account your medical history.

3. Can I agree to donate some organs or tissue and not others?

Yes. You can specify which organs you would wish to donate.

4. How is organ donation different from organ retention?

The problems of organ retention arose because proper consent was not obtained from parents or relatives for organs and tissue removed at post-mortem to be kept for research or other purposes.

5. What is the most common type of organ transplant?

The kidney is the most common organ transplant, followed by the liver, heart and lungs.

6. Do organs ever come from living donors?

The rate of living-related donation is increasing, and it is almost always a family member because from a genetic standpoint, a good match is more likely to come from a relative.

7. If a person dies at home, can their organs be used?

No, their organs cannot be used, but they may still be able to give the gift of tissue donation. The vast majority are bone and skin transplants, but other tissues can be used as well. If you donate a cornea and someone can now see, then you’ve given that person a pretty amazing gift.

Survey

Q1

Are you an organ donor?

Answered: 41 Skipped: 0

Answer Choices Responses

Q2

If you are not registered as an organ donor, would you be willing to sign up? (if you are already registered, skip to question 4)

Answered: 39 Skipped: 2

Answer Choices Responses

Q3 If you are not registered and you are unwilling to

Yes 12.20% 5

No 87.80% 36

Total

Yes 56.41% 22

No 43.59% 17

Total

41

39

Q4

If you are on the Organ Donor Register, what were your reasons for signing up? Tick all that apply. Answered: 14 Skipped: 27

Answer Choices Responses