Live Presentation
Speak with Sandra Cowie about her practicum on January 31st from 4:00-4:30pm via this zoom link.
Video Presentation
View Sandra Cowie's poster presentation in this video recording:
Abstract
Background
The need for organ donation is constantly increasing, demonstrated by the increasing number of people on transplant waitlists. Countries in Southeast Asia (SEA) have seen stagnant levels of deceased organ donation, whereas countries in Europe and North America have seen increases due to legislative and organizational interventions. Comparing the healthcare system of the ten countries leading in deceased organ donation and four countries in SEA, this research aims to discover what countries in SEA can do to increase deceased organ donation.
Methods
Variables were collected and imported into RStudio, where data was put into tables and analyzed, both by comparing averages and visually in graphs. Missing data and further details were obtained through a short google form and informal interviews with experts in organ donation for 7 of the 14 countries.
Results
Decreased opportunities for organ donation are possibly a result of countries in SEA having a lower GDP per capita, therefore having less money to spend on both education and health, which are both related to deceased organ donation capacity. Governments in SEA spend on average less on health as a share of total cost, increasing out-of-pocket spending (OOPS). This leads to decreased access to health services and higher risk of poverty due to healthcare needs. The lack of healthcare resources such as doctors, nurses, and hospital beds are also a major issue. However, most countries in SEA have a great foundation for an excellent organ donation system including legislation, government support, and brain death laws as well as overall acceptance of brain death.
Conclusion
There is a lot of potential to increase organ donation in countries in Southeast Asia, but a lot relies on government support through improved legislation and financial input in both education and health. There is no one-size-fits-all for organ donation systems, as seen in the varying systems in the top 10 leading countries in deceased organ donation. Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, and Myanmar will have to focus on their strengths and weaknesses when trying to increase deceased organ donation.