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Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie

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01-03-2020 | Reports of Original Investigations

Acceptability of cardiac donation after circulatory determination of death: a survey of the Canadian public

Authors: Kimia Honarmand, MD, MSc, Jeanna Parsons Leigh, PhD, Claudio M. Martin, MD, MSc, Robert Sibbald, MSc, Dave Nagpal, MD, MSc, Vince Lau, MD, Fran Priestap, MSc, Sabe De, MD, John Basmaji, MD, Andrew Healey, MD, Sonny Dhanani, MD, Matthew J. Weiss, MD, Sam Shemie, MD, Ian M. Ball, MD, MSc

Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie | Issue 3/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Cardiac transplantation is a definitive therapy for end-stage heart failure, but demand exceeds supply. Cardiac donation after circulatory determination of death (cardiac DCDD) can be performed using direct procurement and perfusion (DPP), where cardiac activity is restored after heart recovery, or (NRP), where brain blood supply is surgically interrupted, circulation to the thoraco-abdominal organs is restored within the donor’s body, followed by heart recovery. While cardiac DCDD would increase the number of heart donors, uptake of programs has been slowed in part because of ethical concerns within the medical community. These debates have been largely devoid of discussion regarding public perceptions. We conducted a national survey of public perceptions regarding cardiac DCDD.

Methods

We surveyed 1,001 Canadians about their attitudes towards cardiac DCDD using a rigorously designed and pre-tested survey.

Results

We found that 843 of 1,001 respondents (84.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 81.8 to 86.3) accepted the DPP approach, 642 (64.1%; 95% CI, 61.1 to 67.0) would agree to donate their heart using DPP, and 696 (69.5%; 95% CI, 66.6 to 72.3) would consent to the same for a family member. We found that 779 respondents of 1,001 respondents (77.8%; 95% CI, 75.1 to 80.3) accepted the NRP approach, 587 (58.6%; 95% CI, 55.5 to 61.6) would agree to donate their heart using NRP, and 636 (63.5%; 95% CI, 60.5 to 66.4) would consent to the same for a family member. Most respondents supported the implementation of DPP (738 respondents or 73.7%; 95% CI, 70.9 to 76.3) and NRP (655 respondents or 65.4%; 95% CI, 62.4 to 68.3) in Canada.

Conclusion

The results of this national survey of public attitudes towards cardiac DCDD will inform the implementation of cardiac DCDD programs in a manner that is consistent with public values.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Acceptability of cardiac donation after circulatory determination of death: a survey of the Canadian public
Authors: Kimia Honarmand, MD, MSc
Jeanna Parsons Leigh, PhD
Claudio M. Martin, MD, MSc
Robert Sibbald, MSc
Dave Nagpal, MD, MSc
Vince Lau, MD
Fran Priestap, MSc
Sabe De, MD
John Basmaji, MD
Andrew Healey, MD
Sonny Dhanani, MD
Matthew J. Weiss, MD
Sam Shemie, MD
Ian M. Ball, MD, MSc
Publication date: 01-03-2020
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie / Issue 3/2020
Print ISSN: 0832-610X
Electronic ISSN: 1496-8975
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-019-01560-z

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Acceptability of cardiac donation after circulatory determination of death: a survey of the Canadian public

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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