Experimental and clinical transplantation : official journal of the Middle East Society for Organ Transplantation
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Exp Clin Transplant · Apr 2020
United Arab Emirates' Future Perspective: Converting Potential Organ Donors Into Actual Organ Donors in an Academic Setting.
The wide gap between organ demand and supply has been exponentially increasing worldwide, resulting in longer wait lists for patients. In response, a few countries have started deceased-donor programs. Thus, establishing national self-sufficiency and optimizing the deceased donation process are crucial steps. Recently, a deceased-donor program was initiated in the United Arab Emirates, and a process is being implemented to enhance the donation rate and to decrease the number of missed organ donors. This study aimed to estimate the number of potential brain-dead donors and eligible donors who are medically suitable and have been declared dead based on neurologic criteria. Additionally, the study aimed to highlight latent obstacles that could add valuable strategic input for establishing a successful organ donation process for new programs. ⋯ This study described the potential organ donation program of our hospital and suggested a systemic approachthattargets the system,organ/donor factors, and consent process to improve the donor conversion rate. New programs might benefit highly from in-house organ donation coordinators, the education and proactive collaboration of hospital staff, and organizational support and management.