Valerie Corder, RN, CTBS, Allen Brown, CEBT, Ellen Heck, MT (ASCP), MA, CEBT
donor designation
Availability of donated eyes, tissue and organs in a volume and timeliness sufficient to meet patient needs has long been a universal challenge. This review of the donor designation data as compiled by Donate Life America, examines the effectiveness of First Person Authorization (Donor Designation or Donor Registration) in increasing the availability of allografts for transplantation and looks at factors that may influence successful gains in the number of registrants. Current reports appear to indicate the program has had the most substantial effect in increases in eye and tissue recovery, with a lesser increase in available organs due perhaps in part to differences in availability and compatibility constraints.
Donor Designation rates in several states are used as an example of the effectiveness of this program, and also point out some areas of deficiency. While overall impact appears positive, there are unexplained factors which warrant further exploration.
Donate Life America. “2014 National Donor Designation Report Card.” June 2014. Web. 7 April 2014; http://organdonor.gov/whydonate/index.html
Donate Life America. “2010 National Donor Designation Report Card.” http://blog.chron.com/medblog/files/legacy/archives/donorreportcard.pdf
Donate Life Texas.org
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Aguilar J. “Organ Donations Lag in South Texas and Culture is a Factor.” http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/06/us/06ttdonation.html
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