The issues of the development of organ donation in medical organizations in Japan

Abstract

【Objective】 The author investigated the reasons why organ donation has not developed sufficiently in Japan, especially focusing on the educational practices and policies of medical institutions.

【Design】 Questionnaire survey and observations.

【Methods】 The author analyzed the reports of medical students and the general public at lectures about organ donation, and also observed the activities of the emergency organizations, as well as transplantation organizations for fifteen years.

【Results】 The legal definition of brain death, and the rules and procedures of organ donation remain misunderstood by the general public. The emergency medical institutions were passive or less motivated regarding donation because they were concerned that actively encouraging donation may cause the patients’ families to feel pressured to donate the organs of their loved ones. The transplantation organizations stressed brain death too strongly. Consequently, the general public is currently unable to have a clear, informed view on donation. Moreover, transplantation organizations did not clearly explain requirements for organ donation to the general public because they were also concerned that those requirements may be criticized as inducing or forcing donation.

【Conclusion】 All facets regarding organ donation must be clearly explained to the general public. Medical students and staff should be educated to participate in organ donation professionally.