Progress in Organ Donation and Transplantation: A Critical Review of Literature

Abstract

The majority of countries are battling with a high incidence of organ failure such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, pancreas, and liver. The only solution that can remedy the plight of patients facing the strong likelihood of death as a result of malfunctioning body organs is organ donation and transplantation. The intention of this literature study is to assess progress in organ donation and transplantation. This study has benefitted immeasurably from previous scientific investigations. Four hundred and thirty-one published papers were selected from different accredited journals. The study found that many of the countries that have implemented the opt-in system are struggling to close the gap between the high demand for and the actual availability of life-saving organs due to low rates of registered and committed organ donors. The majority of patients that are contending with end-stage diseases are added to the organ donation waiting lists, but have little hope of receiving life-prolonging organs. Among the factors that deter people from contributing to organ donation and transplantation are a lack of knowledge, the failure to obtain consent from family members or next-of-kin, social attitudes, socio-cultural aspects, and myths. This study recommends urgent measures that could be taken to increase organ transplants in public and private hospitals due to the chronic shortage of organs for transplantation and by introducing the opt-out system of organ donation.