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The United States’ organ transplant system is encountering a massive overhaul problem due to long waiting times for desperate candidates. This problem has led to an increased mortality rate amongst patients waiting for transplant, which is quite saddening. The health industry seeks to nip this burgeoning issue in the bud by injecting policy changes that would reform the organ donation process.
To begin with, the long waiting times experienced by patients waiting for transplant reveal how complicated the organ donation process can be. It often involves numerous regulatory and clinical processes that limit the number of available organs for transplant. The result is an overwhelming demand for organs that cannot be met commensurately, leading to a long waiting time for transplant candidates. For instance, in 2020, there were over 109,000 patients on the national waiting list, and over 17,500 transplants were performed. Therefore, the need to overhaul the organ transplant system is imminent to reduce waiting times and save more lives.
One of the possible solutions to reducing waiting times could be “living donations.” This method entails people donating a portion of their organs while they are still alive. This process could help reduce waiting times significantly, as there will be an increase in the number of available organs for transplant. Despite the effectiveness of this solution, it is not readily available to all patients, as certain conditions may not permit individuals to donate while still alive. Hence, the issue of long waiting times is still persistent.
Another approach is the use of the opt-in organ donation system, where individuals have to register explicitly to donate their organs upon death. This system seeks to increase the number of potential donors, thereby reducing waiting times for transplant candidates. However, this policy change has not been successful, as only 54% of Americans have registered to donate their organs upon death. Therefore, it is important to develop an opt-out system where individuals are presumed to have consented to organ donation unless they opt-out.
The problem of long waiting times is compounded by the burstiness of organ donors. The organ supply system experiences fluctuations due to the unpredictable nature of death and increased occurrences of vehicle accidents. This makes it difficult to cater to the needs of transplant candidates. Therefore, policy changes towards establishing a more stable and predictable supply chain could help reduce burstiness.
One way to reduce burstiness is through a transportation network that can move organs quickly and efficiently across different geographic locations. A virtual network could be established that connects transplant centers across different cities and states. This network could help optimize critical to time organs, thereby reducing the time interval between the donor and recipient surgery.
Another solution is through the increased use of “brain death” donations. “Brain death,” as a concept, is gradually gaining acceptance in the medical profession. It characterized by a state where the brain has stopped functioning, but some vital organs such as the heart are still structurally sound. These organs can be procured for transplant. Improved awareness programs and education could help increase public acceptance of brain death donations, thereby reducing burstiness.
In conclusion, the United States’ organ transplant system faces an imminent overhaul. Long waiting times and burstiness in organ donation have led to a decreased number of successful transplants and increased mortality rates. Therefore, policy changes that increase the number of available organs for transplant, reduce waiting times and optimize the organ donation process are paramount. A more stable and predictable organ donation process could go a long way in saving more lives. It is therefore crucial for policymakers and stakeholders to engage extensively and take urgent steps to implement critical policy changes. The overhaul of organ transplant policies could not only save more lives but also improve the health industry’s reputation.
