Organ Donation in Trauma Patients: An Overview of Treating Patients Versus Saving Organs in the Emergency Department

Organ donation is a complex, controversial topic in today’s healthcare world. Even with increased efforts to support more patients on the organ donation waiting list, the organ shortage continues, as the number of candidates on the waiting list exponentially increases annually compared to the number of eligible donors and performed transplants. The question is, where can we intervene to close the gap between these numbers? Research shows that one area in need of reformation is the emergency department, specifically regarding organ donations among deceased patients with traumatic injuries. Trauma patients account for many of the deaths occurring in the hospital setting; therefore, to maximize the availability of deceased donor organs, it is extremely critical to evaluate the emergency department and trauma patients as potential donors. A review of the literature was conducted to determine the gaps and barriers that exist during the organ donation approach, specifically after trauma-related deaths. It is essential that the communication gaps which occur between healthcare professionals and families, as well as the various ethical factors associated with organ donation, are addressed in order to enhance the emergency department’s ability to identify donors.Bachelor of Scienc