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Tarabeih M, Marey-Sarwan I, Amiel A, Na'amnih W. Posthumous Organ Donation in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism: How Religious Beliefs Shape the Decision to Donate. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231183191. [PMID: 37311213 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231183191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Evidence indicates that the religious beliefs of patients, potential donors, family members, and healthcare professionals play an important role in deciding to donate an organ. We aim to summarize the religious views of Christians, Muslims, and Jews on organ donation contributing to the decision-making process. Different approaches to this topic worldwide are presented, providing helpful information for medical professionals. A literature review was conducted regarding the view of Israel's leadership of the three largest religions on organ transplantation. This review revealed that all Israeli central religious leaders have a positive view on organ donation. However, various aspects of the transplantation process (such as consent, brain death, and respect for the dead body) must be carried out as each religion prescribes. Thus, understanding the different religious views and regulations on organ donations may help reduce religious concerns about transplantation and narrow the gap between the need and the availability of organ donations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Tarabeih
- School of Nursing Science, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ibtisam Marey-Sarwan
- Sakhnin Academic College for Teacher Education, and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Sakhnin, Israel
| | - Aliza Amiel
- School of Nursing Science, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Wasef Na'amnih
- School of Nursing Science, The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Doerry K, Oh J, Vincent D, Fischer L, Schulz-Jürgensen S. Religious and cultural aspects of organ donation: Narrowing the gap through understanding different religious beliefs. Pediatr Transplant 2022; 26:e14339. [PMID: 35735257 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The supply of viable organ donations falls significantly below the demand. Discrepancies concerning the availability of transplants cannot be explained solely by the various consent models used in different countries. There is evidence that religious beliefs of patients, potential donors, and healthcare professionals also play an important role in the decision-making process. However, to date, very little research has been conducted on the consequences of specific religious beliefs on transplantation rates. The aim of this review was to outline the religious views of Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and Buddhists on organ donation. Additionally, different approaches to address this topic throughout the world are presented and can function as a helpful background for medical professionals. METHODS The umbrella organizations of the five largest religious movements were asked for written statements concerning the subject of organ transplantation, and a literature review was performed. RESULTS All German religious umbrella organizations have a positive view on organ donation, if certain rules are respected. Particularly, deceased donations are supported as a sign of altruism, love, and respect for another human being. Different aspects of the transplant process (e.g., consent, brain death, and respect for the dead body) are particularly stressed in some religions. CONCLUSIONS In general, the religious groups addressed here are in favor of organ donations. Nevertheless, there are important particularities to be considered. Hopefully, understanding the different religious views on organ donations will help in reducing religious concerns about transplantation and narrowing the gap between the need and the availability of organ donations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Doerry
- University Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jun Oh
- University Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Deirdre Vincent
- University Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lutz Fischer
- Department of Visceral Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Katvan E, Cohen J, Ashkenazi T. Organ donation in the time of COVID-19: the Israeli experience one year into the pandemic—ethical and policy implications. Isr J Health Policy Res 2022; 11:6. [PMID: 35101144 PMCID: PMC8802285 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-022-00519-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To present the response of the Israel National Transplantation Center (NTC) to the evolving challenge of COVID-19, the impact on deceased organ donation and living organ kidney donation during 2020, and resultant policy and ethical implications. Methods Data collected included (i) for deceased donors, the total number of potential organ donors, if hospitalized in ICU or general ward, cause of death, number of family authorizations and refusals, number of actual donors, number of organs transplanted/donor and total number of transplants performed; (ii) for living-kidney-donors (related or altruistic), the number of procedures performed; and (iii) the number of patients registered on the national organ waiting-list. Results Following the first case (February 2020), deceased organ donation continued uninterrupted. The total number of potential donors was similar to 2019 (181 vs. 189). However, the number of families approached for donation decreased significantly (P = 0.02). This may be attributed to COVID-19-imposed limitations including fewer brain death determinations due to limited possibilities for face-to-face donor coordinator-donor family interactions providing emotional support and visual explanations of the medical situation. Fewer donors were admitted to ICU (P = 0.1) and the number of organs retrieved/donor decreased (3.8/donor to 3.4/donor). The overall result was a decrease of 24.2% in the number of transplant procedures (306 vs. 232). Living kidney donation, initially halted, resumed in May and the total number of procedures increased compared to 2019 due to a significant increase in altruistic donations (P < 0.0001), while the number of related-living donations decreased. Conclusion This study of organ donation during a crisis has informed the introduction of policy changes in the NTC including the necessity to mobilize rapidly a “war room”, the use of innovative virtual tools for contact-less communication, and the importance of cooperation with hospital authorities in allocating scarce health-care resources. Finally, the pandemic highlighted and intensified ethical considerations, such as under what circumstances living kidney donation be continued in the face of uncertainty, and what information to provide to altruistic donors regarding a prospective recipient, in particular whether all options for related living donation have been exhausted. These should be addressed now.
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Gonen LD, Bokek-Cohen Y, Azuri P, Tarabeih M. Differential Willingness to Pay for Kidney Transplantation From Living and Deceased Donors: Empirical Study Among End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) Patients. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2022; 59:469580221139368. [PMID: 36484339 DOI: 10.1177/00469580221139368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Kidney transplantation has developed to the stage where it is currently the most cost-effective treatment for patients suffering from end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and, when available, offers them the highest quality of life. Yet, kidney transplantation is challenged by cultural and traditional beliefs; thus, this study sought to evaluate the willingness to pay for a kidney transplant in a culturally sensitive population. A self-administered survey was completed by 734 end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. A quantitative method and survey design were chosen and employed descriptive, correlational, nonparametric, and multivariate statistical tests. Participants were willing to pay a mean amount of $40 751.36 for a living donor kidney transplant, whereas the mean is considerably lower, $18 350.51, for a deceased donor kidney. Significant predictors of the willingness to pay (WTP) for a kidney transplant from a living donor and a deceased donor were found, among them: religiosity and ethnicity. The participants' willingness to pay for a kidney transplant could attest to significant benefits in enhancing patient well-being. The willingness to pay differentially for a donation from a deceased or a living donor stems from the higher chances of success with a living-donor organ as well as from moral and religious motives. In Israel kidney transplantation is not tradable in the free market and is fully funded by the state. The average cost of kidney transplantation in Israel is $61 714.50. Since the cost exceeds the utility and since the economic literature suggests that the funding of healthcare interventions should be provided up to the point where the costs of that funding equal the benefits that society derives from it, crucial revisions in public health policy should be made. Education may have a significant impact on the approach to kidney donation and organ donation in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limor Dina Gonen
- Department of Economics and Business Administration, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Ya'arit Bokek-Cohen
- Department of behavioral sciences, Academic College of Israel, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Pazit Azuri
- Tel Aviv-Yafo Academic College, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mahdi Tarabeih
- School of Nursing Science, Tel Aviv-Yafo Academic College, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Cohen J, Ashkenazi T. Changes in consent rate, expressed deceased donation decision-making, and family interactions in Israel-a national retrospective cohort study. Transpl Int 2021; 34:2106-2111. [PMID: 34585787 DOI: 10.1111/tri.14126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the consent rate for deceased organ donation in Israel over two time periods, namely 2004-2009 (2004/9) and 2016-July 2020 (2016/20). Donor and family data were collected from the Israel National Transplantation Center Registry and included donor characteristics, reasons for family consent and refusal, and a subjective assessment of donor coordinator-family interactions. The consent rate increased from 41.6% over the period 2004/9 to 61.8% for the period 2016/20 (P < 0.0001). A significant increase in the proportion of Jewish donors was noted (49.8% in 2004/9 vs. 67.5% in 2016/20, P < 0.0001), while no increase in the consent rate for the Muslim population was noted. Religious objections as a reason for refusal decreased significantly (37.6% vs. 27.3%; P = 0.02), while the proportion of families citing donating as the "right thing to do" increased significantly (7% vs. 26.6%; P < 0.0001). Finally, a significant increase in the proportion of very positive DC-family interactions (59% to 78.3%, P < 0.0001) was noted. In conclusion, the increased consent rate in 2016/20 was associated with changes in expressed decision-making and donor coordinator-donor family interactions. Additional interventions tailored to all different populations groups need to be developed and further investigated.
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Brasil S. Brain Death Diagnostic Security is Over Organ Donation. Transplant Proc 2021; 53:2415. [PMID: 34419252 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2021.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio Brasil
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Davidovits M, Reisman L, Cleper R, Bar-Nathan N, Krause I, Dagan A, Zanhendler N, Chodick G, Hocherman O, Mor M, Aisner S, Mor E. Long-term outcomes during 37 years of pediatric kidney transplantation: a cohort study comparing ethnic groups. Pediatr Nephrol 2021; 36:1881-1888. [PMID: 33459932 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-020-04908-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes of kidney transplantation over 37 years in a national referral center and compare outcomes between Israeli Jewish and Arab children. METHODS Data on 599 pediatric transplantations performed in 545 children during 1981-2017, including demographic parameters, kidney failure disease profile, and pre-transplant dialysis duration, were retrieved from our computerized database and patient files. Patient and graft survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS Twenty-year patient survival was 91.4% for live donor (LD) and 80.2% for deceased donor (DD) kidney recipients. Respective 10-year and 20-year graft survival rates for first kidney-only transplants were 75.2% and 47.0% for LD and 60.7% and 38.4% for DD grafts. Long-term graft survival improved significantly (p < 0.001) over the study period for recipients of both LD and DD allografts and reached 7-year graft survival of 92.0% and 71.3%, respectively. The proportion of DD transplantations was higher in the Arab subpopulation: 73.8% vs. 48.4% (p < 0.001). Graft survival was not associated with age at transplantation and did not differ between the Arab (N = 202) and Jewish children (N = 343). Median (IQR) waiting time on dialysis did not differ significantly between the Arab and Jewish children: 18 (10-30) and 15 (9-30) months, respectively (p Mann-Whitney = 0.312). CONCLUSIONS Good and progressively improving long-term results were obtained in pediatric kidney transplantation at our national referral center, apparently due to expertise gained over time and advances in immunosuppression. Equal access to DD kidney transplant and similar graft survival were found between ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Davidovits
- Institute of Nephrology, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, 49202, Petah Tikva, Israel.
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Lewis Reisman
- Institute of Nephrology, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, 49202, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Roxana Cleper
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Dana-Dweq Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nathan Bar-Nathan
- Department of Transplantation, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Irit Krause
- Institute of Nephrology, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, 49202, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amit Dagan
- Institute of Nephrology, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, 49202, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Neomi Zanhendler
- Institute of Nephrology, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, 49202, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Gabriel Chodick
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Osnat Hocherman
- Institute of Nephrology, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, 49202, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Maya Mor
- Department of Transplantation, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Sigal Aisner
- Department of Transplantation, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Eytan Mor
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Transplantation, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
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Gabbay E, Fins JJ. Go in Peace: Brain Death, Reasonable Accommodation and Jewish Mourning Rituals. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2019; 58:1672-1686. [PMID: 31280412 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-019-00874-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Religious objections to brain death are common among Orthodox Jews. These objections often lead to conflicts between families of patients who are diagnosed with brain death, and physicians and hospitals. Israel, New York and New Jersey (among other jurisdictions) include accommodation clauses in their regulations or laws regarding the determination of death by brain-death criteria. The purpose of these clauses is to allow families an opportunity to oppose or even veto (in the case of Israel and New Jersey) determinations of brain death. In New York, the extent and duration of this accommodation period are generally left to the discretion of individual institutions. Jewish tradition has embraced cultural and psychological mechanisms to help families cope with death and loss through a structured process that includes quick separation from the physical body of the dead and a gradual transition through phases of mourning (Aninut,Kriah, timely burial, Shiva, Shloshim, first year of mourning). This process is meant to help achieve closure, acceptance, support for the bereaved, commemoration, faith in the afterlife and affirmation of life for the survivors. We argue that the open-ended period of contention of brain death under the reasonable accommodation laws may undermine the deep psychological wisdom that informs the Jewish tradition. By promoting dispute and conflict, the process of inevitable separation and acceptance is delayed and the comforting rituals of mourning are deferred at the expense of the bereft family. Solutions to this problem may include separating discussions of organ donation from those concerning the diagnosis of brain death per se, allowing a period of no escalation of life-sustaining interventions rather than unilateral withdrawal of mechanical ventilation, engagement of rabbinical leaders in individual cases and policy formulations that prioritize emotional support for families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezra Gabbay
- Hospital Medicine Section, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill-Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, Box 331, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Joseph J Fins
- Division of Medical Ethics, Department of Medicine, Weill-Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Cohen J, Ashkenazi T. The implementation and utilization of an organ donation dedicated medical advisory service: A descriptive study. Clin Transplant 2019; 33:e13711. [PMID: 31529544 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.13711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstacles encountered during the organ donation process may result in the loss of organs. A centralized medical advisory service (MAS), providing a 24/7/365 service, was established in 2007 to respond to queries from healthcare professionals regarding organ safety, brain death (BD) determination, and donor management. METHODS Data collected from 2007 to 2017 included the number and context of the queries and the mean number of organs transplanted/donor. Since 2012, the number of six donor management goals (DMGs) met at the time of consent has been monitored. RESULTS The number of queries relative to the number of potential donors increased from 12.4% (n = 78 queries) in 2007 to 48.2% (304 queries) in 2009 and has remained widely utilized, with most queries consistently related to organ safety. The context of the queries informed the formulation of protocols relating to donor infections and malignancy and identified difficulties regarding BD determination and subsequent implementation of solutions. A mean of 5.0 ± 0.7 DMGs was achieved, while the number of organs transplanted/donor increased from 3.4 in 2007 to 4.0 in 2017. CONCLUSION We suggest that this model may provide a valuable resource to improve the safety, standardization, and quality of the donation process.
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Ashkenazi T, Steinberg A, Cohen J. A National Survey of Attitudes of the Zionist Ultra-Orthodox Community in Israel to Organ Donation. Prog Transplant 2019; 29:43-47. [PMID: 30599807 DOI: 10.1177/1526924818817062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Council of the Chief Rabbinate formally accepted neurologically declared death as an indication of death for all legal and religious purposes following changes made to practice parameters in order to comply with Jewish Law (halacha). This removed Jewish-legal barriers for organ donation. We surveyed the Zionist ultra-Orthodox community to identify the reasons for their continued reluctance to donate. METHODS A questionnaire was designed to assess personal, cultural, religious, and system-related considerations relating to organ donation. A telephone survey of persons identifying themselves with the Zionist ultra-Orthodox community was conducted to include 300 respondents (150 males and 150 females). RESULTS The response rate was 5.5% (300 of 6799 approached). While most participants (79%) agreed that organ donation improved or saved lives, a minority (25%) expressed willingness to donate. The most important inhibiting factors were related to religion, namely, importance of being buried intact (84%) and donation being against halacha (46%). Most respondents (67%) would approach a religious figure for advice, and willingness to donate increased when informed that donation was permitted (68%) and supported (63%) by orthodox religious authorities. Finally, a minority (37%) perceived the allocation process to be fair and adequately supervised (36%). CONCLUSIONS This study identified religious and system-related constraints as important inhibiting factors to donation, factors which were potentially modifiable. Since this community relies on their religious leaders for guidance, public support by authoritative and accepted religious leaders is required to reassure the community of the legitimacy and positive aspects of organ donation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Ashkenazi
- National Transplant Center, Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Avraham Steinberg
- Department of Medical Ethics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jonathan Cohen
- National Transplant Center, Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of General Intensive Care, Rabin Medical Center, Campus Beilinson, Petah Tikva, and the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Zaltzman J. Ten years of Israel's organ transplant law: is it on the right track? Isr J Health Policy Res 2018; 7:45. [PMID: 30068388 PMCID: PMC6069893 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-018-0232-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Israeli organ donor law was established in 2008. In the ensuing 10 years there have been some improvements in deceased donation and living donor rates and a reduction in the unethical practice of transplant tourism. There is, however, controversy regarding increased access to transplant for those who have been living donors, who are family members of deceased donors, or who have registered their intent to donate. The issue of routine retrieval versus obtaining consent for organ donation has also been raised. This commentary will address these issue, and propose some steps for improvement of the current Israeli organ donation system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Zaltzman
- Division of Nephrology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Chief Medical Officer transplant, Trillium Gift of Life Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Wasser WG, Boner G, Koslowsky M, Lazar A. Emergence of an Israel faith-based community organization facilitating live donor kidney transplantation. BMC Nephrol 2018; 19:128. [PMID: 29879921 PMCID: PMC5992728 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-018-0923-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 2014 Consensus Conference on Best Practices in Living Kidney Donations recognized live donor kidney transplantation as the best treatment for late-stage kidney disease, yielding superior graft and patient survival, improved quality of life, fewer requirements for dialysis and increased cost-effectiveness compared to deceased donor kidney transplantation. Yet in spite of the excellent results of living kidney donation, the annual number of living kidney donors is declining in many countries, including the United States. In Israel, a non-profit organization, Matnat Chaim ("Gift of Life" in Hebrew), a faith-based initiative, has emerged as a major force for arranging living donor kidney transplantation mainly by facilitating altruistic living unrelated donor transplantation. METHODS A retrospective review of the records of live kidney donations facilitated by the Matnat Chaim organization and referred to Israel transplant centers, since the organization's inception in 2009, was performed and compared to published data from the Israel Ministry of Health. RESULTS Matnat Chaim has facilitated 494 live kidney donations since its founding in February 2009 until the end of 2017. Of the 124 live kidney transplants performed in 2016, 111 (90%) were shown to be altruistic and unrelated. This large number of donations was associated with a doubling of the total number of kidney transplantations, performed in Israel (data published by the Israel Ministry of Health). CONCLUSIONS The success of an Israel community organization in the promotion of kidney transplantation may serve as a model for other religious and non-religious communities worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter G Wasser
- Division of Nephrology, Mayanei HaYeshua Medical Center, 51544, Bnei Brak, Israel.
- Rambam Health Care Campus, 3109601, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Geoffrey Boner
- Department of Medicine, Tel Aviv University Sackler Faculty of Medicine (retired), Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Meni Koslowsky
- Departments of Psychology, Bar-Ilan, 52900, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Ariel University, 44837, Ariel, Israel
| | - Adi Lazar
- Department of Economics, Ariel University, 44837, Ariel, Israel
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Berzon C. Israel's 2008 Organ Transplant Law: continued ethical challenges to the priority points model. Isr J Health Policy Res 2018; 7:11. [PMID: 29544525 PMCID: PMC5855996 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-018-0203-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2008, responding to a widening gap between need and availability of transplant organs, Israel's Ministry of Health adopted a program of incentivized cadaveric organ donation. The Organ Transplant Law rewards individuals with prioritized access to organs on the condition that they participate in procurement efforts. Priority is awarded in the form of additional points allocated to the individual's organ recipient profile. Although Israel has experienced moderate gains in the years since the law's implementation, these have not been sufficient to satisfy the demand. Furthermore, the law faces logistical and ethical challenges. These challenges could potentially be resolved by shifting the organ procurement default to routine retrieval rather than the current default of presumed refusal to organ retrieval.This paper examines philosophical and practical challenges to the priority points policy and weighs whether Israel should consider an alternative policy of routine retrieval of transplant organs with the option to opt out of the donor pool.
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Aramesh K, Arima H, Gardiner D, Shah SK. An International Legal Review of the Relationship between Brain Death and Organ Transplantation. THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ETHICS 2018. [DOI: 10.1086/jce2018291031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Pauli J, Basso K, Ruffatto J. The influence of beliefs on organ donation intention. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND HEALTHCARE MARKETING 2017. [DOI: 10.1108/ijphm-08-2016-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Recent technological developments in healthcare have enabled an increased number of organ transplantation surgeries. At the same time, there is an increase in the number of people awaiting organ transplant, coupled with the difficulty in donation. To bridge this gap, this study aims to propose to evaluate the effect of three types of beliefs (clinical beliefs, financial incentive beliefs and beliefs on the social benefits of altruism and solidarity) on the intention to donate organs. Moreover, this paper uses the attitudes in relation to donation to explain the effect of these beliefs on the intention to donate organs.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was conducted using a survey of 422 Brazilian participants and a mediation analysis to test the mediation hypotheses.
Findings
The results suggest that the effect of three types of beliefs (clinical, economic order and social solidarity) influence the intention to donate organs indirectly through the formation of attitudes concerning organ donation.
Research limitations/implications
This article contributes to the understanding of the formation of organ donation intentions and the role of different types of beliefs in the formation of such intentions.
Originality/value
The findings extend the discussions regarding the role of beliefs in the formation of attitudes and intentions of organ donation and have significant value in creating public policies that further promote organ donation.
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Gabbay E, McCarthy MW, Fins JJ. The Care of the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Patient. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2017; 56:545-560. [PMID: 28102466 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-017-0356-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community embraces a system of values and a rigorous behavioral code that are deeply rooted in religious tradition and history. Here we describe some of the unique challenges that stem from the encounter between modern medical practice and the Ultra-Orthodox world. Through examples of clinical and ethical scenarios ranging from prenatal care to end-of-life decisions, we illustrate problems related to observance of age-old practices in a modern hospital setting, balancing acceptance of Divine will with standard risk assessment, reconciliation of patient autonomy with deference to rabbinic authority and fear of stigma associated with mental illness in a traditional society. We also offer a generalizable model where inquiry precedes pre-formulated judgment to help clinicians provide enhanced care for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezra Gabbay
- Hospital Medicine Section, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill-Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, Box 331, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Matthew W McCarthy
- Hospital Medicine Section, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill-Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, Box 331, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Joseph J Fins
- Division of Medical Ethics, Department of Medicine, Weill-Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Keshtkaran Z, Sharif F, Navab E, Gholamzadeh S. Lived Experiences of Iranian Nurses Caring for Brain Death Organ Donor Patients: Caring as "Halo of Ambiguity and Doubt". Glob J Health Sci 2015; 8:281-92. [PMID: 26925919 PMCID: PMC4965685 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v8n7p281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Brain death is a concept in which its criteria have been expressed as documentations in Harvard Committee of Brain Death. The various perceptions of caregiver nurses for brain death patients may have effect on the chance of converting potential donors into actual organ donors. Objective: The present study has been conducted in order to perceive the experiences of nurses in care-giving to the brain death of organ donor patients. Methods: This qualitative study was carried out by means of Heidegger’s hermeneutic phenomenology. Eight nurses who have been working in ICU were interviewed. The semi-structured interviews were recorded by a tape-recorder and the given texts were transcribed and the analyses were done by Van-Mannen methodology and (thematic) analysis. Results: One of the foremost themes extracted from this study included ‘Halo of ambiguity and doubt’ that comprised of two sub-themes of ‘having unreasonable hope’ and ‘Conservative acceptance of brain death’. The unreasonable hope included lack of trust (uncertainty) in diagnosis and verification of brain death, passing through denial wall, and avoidance from explicit and direct disclosure of brain death in patients’ family. In this investigation, the nurses were involved in a type of ambiguity and doubt in care-giving to the potentially brain death of organ donor patients, which were also evident in their interaction with patients’ family and for this reason, they did not definitely announce the brain death and so far they hoped for treatment of the given patient. Such confusion and hesitance both caused annoyance of nurses and strengthening the denial of patients’ family to be exposed to death. Conclusion: The results of this study reveal the fundamental perceived care-giving of brain death in organ donor patients and led to developing some strategies to improve care-giving and achievement in donation of the given organ and necessity for presentation of educational and supportive services for nurses might become more evident than ever.
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Waweru-Siika W, Clement ME, Lukoko L, Nadel S, Rosoff PM, Naanyu V, Kussin PS. Brain death determination: the imperative for policy and legal initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa. Glob Public Health 2015; 12:589-600. [PMID: 26563398 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2015.1094108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The concept of brain death (BD), defined as irreversible loss of function of the brain including the brainstem, is accepted in the medical literature and in legislative policy worldwide. However, in most of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) there are no legal guidelines regarding BD. Hypothetical scenarios based on our collective experience are presented which underscore the consequences of the absence of BD policies in resource-limited countries (RLCs). Barriers to the development of BD laws exist in an RLC such as Kenya. Cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity creates a complex perspective about death challenging the development of uniform guidelines for BD. The history of the medical legal process in the USA provides a potential way forward. Uniform guidelines for legislation at the state level included special consideration for ethnic or religious preferences in specific states. In SSA, medical and social consensus on the definition of BD is a prerequisite for the development BD legislation. Legislative policy will (1) limit prolonged and futile interventions; (2) mitigate the suffering of families; (3) standardise clinical practice; and (4) facilitate better allocation of scarce critical care resources in RLCs. There is a clear-cut need for these policies, and previous successful policies can serve to guide these efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangari Waweru-Siika
- a Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care , Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) , Eldoret , Kenya
| | - Meredith Edwards Clement
- b Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases , Duke University School of Medicine , Durham , NC , USA
| | - Lilian Lukoko
- a Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care , Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) , Eldoret , Kenya
| | - Simon Nadel
- c St Mary's Hospital and Imperial College , London , UK
| | - Philip M Rosoff
- d Trent Center for Bioethics, Humanities and History of Medicine , Duke University Medical Center , Durham , NC , USA
| | - Violet Naanyu
- e Department of Behavioral Sciences , Moi University , Eldoret , Kenya
| | - Peter S Kussin
- f Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Department of Internal Medicine , Duke University School of Medicine , Durham , NC , USA
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The implementation of a protocol promoting the safe practice of brain death determination. J Crit Care 2014; 30:107-10. [PMID: 25131939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2014.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study is to describe the implementation of measures introduced in Israel in 2009 to promote the safe practice of brain death determination (BDD). MATERIALS AND METHODS The measures require (1) physicians to undergo a mandatory training course, (2) the mandatory performance of an ancillary test, and (3) retrospective examination of all BDD forms by an independent committee. Any deviations from practice parameters were noted. Surveys were also undertaken to assess (i) the attitude of local physicians to the measures and (ii) whether similar measures are in place in Europe and whether they were considered necessary. RESULTS After implementation, the measures resulted in the absence of deviations from practice parameters over time. A majority of local physician (n = 64) felt the measures added a sense of security to BDD (73%) and ensured its proper performance (85%). The European survey (n = 20 countries) revealed (1) specialized BDD training is required in 60%, provided in 50%, while felt necessary by 80%; (2) independent supervision of BDD is performed in only one other country; and (3) BDD is performed country-wide using the same criteria in 80% while felt necessary by 95%. CONCLUSION The measures were successfully implemented, reduced diversity in patient testing, and positively accepted by local physicians. Wider application of the measures may be appropriate as suggested by the results of a European survey and the variability of BDD reported in the literature.
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Segal E. Religious objections to brain death. J Crit Care 2014; 29:875-7. [PMID: 25085509 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2014.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eran Segal
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Assuta Medical Centers, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Rady MY, McGregor JL, Verheijde JL. Transparency and accountability in mass media campaigns about organ donation: a response to Morgan and Feeley. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2013; 16:869-876. [PMID: 23354495 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-013-9466-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We respond to Morgan and Feeley's critique on our article "Mass Media in Organ Donation: Managing Conflicting Messages and Interests." We noted that Morgan and Feeley agree with the position that the primary aims of media campaigns are: "to educate the general public about organ donation process" and "help individuals make informed decisions" about organ donation. For those reasons, the educational messages in media campaigns should not be restricted to "information from pilot work or focus groups" but should include evidence-based facts resulting from a comprehensive literature research. We consider the controversial aspects about organ donation to be relevant, if not necessary, educational materials that must be disclosed in media campaigns to comply with the legal and moral requirements of informed consent. With that perspective in mind, we address the validity of Morgan and Feeley's claim that media campaigns have no need for informing the public about the controversial nature of death determination in organ donation. Scientific evidence has proven that the criteria for death determination are inconsistent with the Uniform Determination of Death Act and therefore potentially harmful to donors. The decision by campaign designers to use the statutory definition of death without disclosing the current controversies surrounding that definition does not contribute to improved informed decision making. We argue that if Morgan and Feeley accept the important role of media campaigns to enhance informed decision making, then critical controversies should be disclosed. In support of that premise, we will outline: (1) the wide-spread scientific challenges to brain death as a concept of death; (2) the influence of the donor registry and team-huddling on the medical care of potential donors; (3) the use of authorization rather than informed consent for donor registration; (4) the contemporary religious controversy; and (5) the effects of training desk clerks as organ requestors at the Department of Motor Vehicles offices. We conclude that organ donation is a medical procedure subject to all the ethical obligations that the medical profession must uphold including that of transparency and truthfulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Y Rady
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic Hospital, 5777 East Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA,
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Ashkenazi T, Klein M. A Practical Israeli Strategy for Appealing for Organ Donation. Prog Transplant 2013; 23:173-9. [DOI: 10.7182/pit2013393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Context Most reports on organ donation have been related to the importance of support for families, explanations of brain death, and the appeal for organ donation. In contrast, no reports have addressed organ donation from the perspective of intervention in cases of “sudden mourning” and the practical aspects of how to facilitate donation in such cases. Objective To develop a specific strategy for professional intervention in cases of imminent death to bring the family to a state of cognitive and emotional preparedness that will enable them to accept the tragic news, donate organs, and then take leave of the deceased. Method The strategy presented here was developed on the basis of the records of donor coordinators who documented their interaction with families; consultations with professionals in the fields of marketing, persuasion, and negotiating; research conducted on families who did or did not donate organs; and statements made by family members of donors in focus and support groups in more than 10 years. Results The strategic approach includes early-stage rules such as staff self-awareness, and then later, critical stages of the process that take place before and at the time of determination of brain death: preparation for and the notification of death itself and the request for organ donation, including persuasion skills, coping with resistance and expressions of anger, and physical leave-taking from the decease. Conclusions The flexible, strategic approach set out here is designed to maximize the chances of procuring organ donation while protecting the family's rights and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Ashkenazi
- Israeli Transplant Center, Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv, Israel (TA), Soroka Medical Center, Be'er-Sheva, Israel (MK)
| | - Moti Klein
- Israeli Transplant Center, Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv, Israel (TA), Soroka Medical Center, Be'er-Sheva, Israel (MK)
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Lavee J, Ashkenazi T, Stoler A, Cohen J, Beyar R. Preliminary marked increase in the national organ donation rate in Israel following implementation of a new organ transplantation law. Am J Transplant 2013; 13:780-5. [PMID: 23279738 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.12001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Revised: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Israel's organ donation rate has always been among the lowest in Western countries. In 2008 two new laws relevant to organ transplantation were introduced. The Brain-Respiratory Death Law defines the precise circumstances and mechanisms to determine brain death. The Organ Transplantation Law bans reimbursing transplant tourism involving organ trade, grants prioritization in organ allocation to candidates who are registered donors and removes disincentives for living donation by providing modest insurance reimbursement and social supportive services. The preliminary impact of the gradual introduction and implementation of these laws has been witnessed in 2011. Compared to previous years, in 2011 there was a significant increase in the number of deceased organ donors directly related to an increase in organ donation rate (from 7.8 to 11.4 donors per million population), in parallel to a significant increase in the number of new registered donors. In addition the number of kidney transplantations from living donors significantly increased in parallel to a significant decrease in the number of kidney transplantations performed abroad (from 155 in 2006 to 35 in 2011). The new laws have significantly increased both deceased and living organ donation while sharply decreasing transplant tourism.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lavee
- Israel National Transplant Center, Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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