Influences and Decision making on Organ donation
Many factors inhibit or enhance people’s willingness to donate organs. However, for those who wish to donate, the verbal expression is not always congruent with the written consent. While the benefits of organ transplant to both donor and recipients will convince some patients to assent, many will refuse because the risks and harms are too high (Robinson et al., 2014). Those who decide to donate believe that organ donation is not just a selfless, altruistic act but also an ingredient for prosocial exchanges because it brings a sense of social approval, enhanced self-esteem, feelings of pride and self-worth. Moreover, people who donate their organs see this as an opportunity to allow a part of
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On the other hand, the potential risks that result from the transplant procedures can hinder even those who have a firm conviction in becoming donors (Cohen & Hoffner, 2012). For example, invasive interventions such as placing central catheters, and bronchoscopies during harvesting organs can harm donors and cause pain and suffering even when analgesics or sedatives are used (Chimovitz & Sade, 2014).
Furthermore, organ donors have many surviving benefits. Some donors decide to donate money to communities, schools, churches and healthcare institutions. Although, most donations are made during life, some are realized after death. In 2014, private individuals donated $335 billion in charity. Therefore, as recognition, individual institutions would memorialize donors by placing their names on a hospital wing or medical school. Anytime a donor’s postmortem wishes are fulfilled, we respect their integrity and identity, which continues to embody their legacy after death (Chimowitz & Sade,
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One selfless decision to allow utilize one’s organs could save up to eight lives (Donate Life, 2018). In the complicated matter of organ donation, I believe, the focus should stay with recognizing the specific obstacles of personal resistance to become a designated donor, and tackling them one by one by providing the public with comprehensive education and opportunities for feedback and questions. By proactively addressing those concerns and debunking the common myths or misunderstandings, healthcare providers could help to clarify any misconceptions regarding the process, involve patients and their families in the decision making process, and empower them to leave a legacy and a true gift of