Respondent demographics: 252 specialists and GPs undertook this survey.
More information on this important topic is available from DonateLife – 9222 222, visit www.donatelife.gov.au
How confident are you in discussing organ or tissue donation with a well patient?
ED note: While over three quarters of survey doctors had confidence in discussing with patients, the big question is whether they feel confident enough to do this reactively or proactively. It is the latter that DonateLife is promoting through its public campaign (Discover, Decide, Discuss) asking the public to register and discuss their intentions with immediate family, and they are hoping that doctors will back this campaign in whatever way they can. Certainly, the increased public awareness makes it less of a vexed question, in raising it with patients.
Over 50 respondents commented. Some said they did not think it a good idea to discuss organ donation within their specialty, such a paediatrics, orthopaedics, emergency and psychiatry.
Others were unwilling to canvas a ‘no’ approach across any discipline, particularly those who had worked in renal medicine and seemed more strongly motivated to discuss with patients.
Those who felt uncomfortable discussing said it was “naturally difficult” or there was “not much opportunity during a normal consult” or were ill-prepared when the subject was forced upon them. Others were comfortable but reactive: “Not something I routinely bring up but can discuss it if patient initiates an enquiry.”
A few doctors in hospitals said they did not normally get involved and referred the matter to the donor coordinator on call. With the newly established donor teams in major public hospitals, this approach seems reasonable.
While a few commented that doctors should “do this as a matter of course”, a similar number said they simply forgot. As if to compensate, one suggested “each patient should be given a flyer re organ donation”. Comment or flyer, either will impact on patients if initiated by the doctor.
Only one respondent was opposed on the basis of cost and that it diverted us from preventive health strategies.
Can someone who has lived in the UK during ‘mad cow’ times be an organ donor after death?
Can a patient with Hepatitis C ever be considered for organ donation?
ED note: Only a quarter of respondents got these two questions one right – the answer is YES in both cases. HIV is the only absolute exclusion criteria and all other medical conditions are accessed individually at the time of death of the patient, so for example, someone with diabetes or cancer could donate corneas. There are two sources of confusion around the mad cow question – there was a ban on donating if you have lived in the UK (but it has now been lifted) and a ban still applies to blood donation (but not organ donation).
Why is it important for a person to discuss their wish to be a donor with their family or next of kin?
ED note: The surveyed doctors are to the commended for their correct multiple choice responses – the exact right order too. The family is still asked to give consent at the bedside, even if a person has registered, and agreeing to this with confidence may swing on a firm understanding of their loved one’s wishes. (Organ donation in Australia is an opt-in system.)
How can a person living in WA register their wish to be an organ and tissue donor?
ED note: Two thirds got it wrong in suggesting registration happens with Driver’s Licence renewal. It doesn’t. All that happens is a separate AODR brochure is enclosed with the renewal. There is no longer a box to tick on the actual renewal form and it will not show up on the Driver’s Licence. The Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR), part of Medicare, is the only way a person can register their wish to be an organ donor. See www.donatelife.gov.au