Organ Donation: A Statewide Survey of Trauma Surgeons

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Abstract
Organ procurement organizations (OPOs) operate under the premise that Americans would donate organs and/or tissue if placed in appropriate circumstances. This study evaluated opinions of Pennsylvania trauma surgeons regarding OPOs and organ donation. Ninety-six Pennsylvania trauma surgeons were surveyed and descriptive results calculated. Ninety percent were familiar with criteria for organ donation, and about 76% would invoke their institution's brain death policy even if families did not desire to donate organs. A small portion did not routinely pronounce patients brain dead that met criteria. One fourth indicated trauma surgeons should have no role in requesting organs. A majority believed trauma surgeons should have a role in organ donation requests, either alone or with an OPO representative, and most indicated that they could influence a family's decision. Requestor attitude is important, and our results show an overall positive attitude toward donation and a solid level of knowledge regarding donor eligibility. Hospital development programs to improve donation consent should emphasize decoupling of brain death discussion and donation request, work to improve staff attitudes about approaching patients, and address donor eligibility criteria.