Donating_Organs_Saves_Lives

Running head: DONATING ORGANS SAVES LIVES Donating Organs Saves Lives Debra Phelps University of Phoenix Donating Organs Saves Lives Organ donation is the process of giving an organ or a part of an organ for the purpose of transplantation into another person. Even though some people fear that doctors may prematurely declare a person dead because the doctor needs the organs and others faith does not condone this act. I am a believer that donating ones organs to save someone’s life is the most selfless act a person can do. I have a friend, who is living because of a double lung transplant, and another friend’s mother has been awaiting a kidney for two years and if there were more donors’ she would not have had to wait so long. Organ donation can occur with: a deceased donor, who can give kidneys, pancreas, liver, lungs, heart, intestinal organs or a living donor, who can give a kidney, or a portion of the liver, lung, intestine, or pancreas. An average of 15 people per day dies awaiting organ transplantations, according to the Journal of Training Nursing, (2007). An estimated 90,000 people in the United States are awaiting organ transplants, stated by the United Network for Organ Sharing. Deaths of less than 1% are brain dead patients who can potentially save up to eight people and provide up to 50 people with tissue and cornea transplant, however, the need for donors are greater than the amount of patients who are brain dead when they die. “Donation is a family-driven process. Sensitivity and respect for the family's wishes allow caregivers to help them through the end-of-life journey and give them the satisfaction and comfort that can come from the donation process. The ability to honor their loved one's wish and save lives with their generous gifts allows families to find some hope during their time of grief.” (Journal of Training Nursing, 2007). End of life journey is an option for families who have an end of life decision to make for one of their relatives. One third of the general population is estimated to have signed organ donor cards. Two primary reasons for people avoiding to sign their donor cards come from quantitative survey data. “Studies indicate the fear that doctors will declare death prematurely to procure one’s organs, and the belief that organ donation is against one’s religion. Other reasons that are frequently cited include a lack of knowledge.” (Morgan, Harrison, 2008). The United States has performed organ transplants since the 1950’s. The success rate of the patient after receiving a transplant varies. The following is provided by Healthwise Incorporated (2009); generally, success rates for single-organ transplants average 80% or higher. The highest success rate is for kidney transplantation, which has a 5-year survival rate of about 80% to 90%. The 5-year survival rate for liver transplants is about 73% to 78%; for lung transplants, about 45% to 52%; for pancreas transplants, 80% to 90%; and for heart transplants, 68%. The facts stated by the Donate Life America are: No matter age, race, or medical history anyone can be a potential donor. In the United States all major religions support organ, tissue, eye donations and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others. The number one priority is to save a patient’s life if sick or injured only after death can organ donation be considered. Through the entire donation process total care is given with respect and dignity to the donor so an open casket for a funeral is possible. No cost to the donor or their family for tissue and organ donations. The research shows that donating living organs does prolong the lives of those who are recipients of the tissue, eyes, and organs. The research also shows that there are not enough donors for all the patients on the waiting lists for living organs. The process for signing up is painless and can be done from any computer. Sign up online in the Arizona Donor Registry. References Donate Life America. (2009). Understanding donation learn the facts. Retrieved October 18, 2009 from http://www.donatelife.net/UnderstandingDonation/LearnTheFacts.php. Rae, C. (2009). Healthwise Incorperated. For every health decision. Retrieved October 18, 2009, from ProQuest Health and Medical Complete. Sills P., Bair, H. A., Gates, L. & Janczyk, R. J. (2007). Donation After Cardiac Death: Lessons Learned. Journal of Trauma Nursing. 14 (1), 47-50. Retrieved October 18, 2009, from ProQuest Health and Medical Complete.