COLEGIO DE SAN LORENZO RUIZ DE MANILA OF NORTHERN SAMAR, INC.

COLLEGE OF NURSING

J. P. Rizal Street, Catarman, Northern Samar

ORGAN DONATION IN THE PHILIPPINE HEALTH CARE

SETTINGS
(NCM 103 : Term Paper)

Introduction
Organ donation is the voluntary act of giving one’s organs or tissues to another
person who is in need of a transplant. It is a selfless act that can save lives and
improve the quality of life for those in need.

In the Philippines, organ donation is practiced and observed through the Philippine
Organ Donation and Transplant Program. However, the rate of organ donation and
transplantation in the country is significantly low. This is primarily due to
inadequate knowledge about organ donation and transplant, limited workforce and
facilities to handle these operations, and the prevalence of organ trafficking, which
is often driven by poverty.

The Philippine Organ Donation and Transplant Program aims to facilitate and
oversee all organ donation and transplantation activities in the country. Its goals
include achieving national self-sufficiency in organ donation and transplantation
and preventing organ trafficking. The program is guided by policies and laws, such
as Administrative Order No. 2010-0019, which establishes a national program for
sharing organs from deceased donors.

To support the program, various types of services are provided, including trainings
such as the Localized Organ Donor Management Course and the Intermediate
Training Course in Transplant Procurement Management. Technical assistance and
updates on the Philippine Organ Donation and Transplantation Program are also
offered to regional coordinators, partners, and stakeholders.

The Philippine Organ Donation and Transplant Program collaborates with different
organizations at the national, local, and international levels. Some of the partners
include the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines, the World Health Organization,
the Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group, The Transplantation Society, the
Pontifical Academies of Sciences and Social Sciences of the Vatican City, and the
Donation and Transplantation Institute.

It is important to continue raising awareness about organ donation in the

Philippines and to address the challenges that hinder its practice. By doing so, we
can encourage more individuals to become organ donors and improve access to life-
saving transplantation procedures.
In the Philippines, organ donation is governed by several agencies and institutions.
Here are some key organizations and laws related to organ donation:

1. Philippine Organ Donation and Transplant Program: The Philippine Organ

Donation and Transplant Program is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all
organ donation and transplantation activities in the country. It aims to achieve
national self-sufficiency in organ donation and transplantation and prevent organ
trafficking. The program is under the Department of Health (DOH) and collaborates
with various partners at the national and international levels.

2. Department of Health (DOH): The DOH is the main government agency

responsible for health-related matters in the Philippines. It plays a significant role in
promoting and regulating organ donation and transplantation. The DOH works
closely with the Philippine Organ Donation and Transplant Program to implement
policies and guidelines related to organ donation.

3. Philippine Network for Organ Sharing (PhilNOS): PhilNOS is a central

coordinating body for organ donation and transplant activities in the Philippines. It
was formed under the Department of Health to facilitate the equitable distribution of
organs to patients in need. PhilNOS works with various stakeholders, including
hospitals, organ procurement organizations, and transplant centers.

In the Philippines, organ donation is regulated by the Organ Donation Law, also
known as Republic Act No. 7170. This law promotes and regulates the donation,
recovery, and transplantation of organs in the country. It aims to establish an
organized and coordinated organ transplantation program, ensuring the fair and
equitable distribution of organs to patients in need.

The rights of both the organ donor and recipient are crucial and should be protected
throughout the organ donation process. Here’s how the rights of both parties are
safeguarded:

1. Donor Rights:
- Informed Consent: The donor has the right to receive comprehensive
information about the organ donation process, including the risks,
benefits, and alternatives. They should be fully informed about the
procedure, potential complications, and any long-term effects.
- Voluntary Decision: Organ donation must be a voluntary decision made
by the donor or their legally authorized representative. The donor has
the right to make the decision freely, without any coercion or pressure.
- Privacy and Confidentiality: The donor’s personal and medical
information should be kept confidential and protected. Their privacy
should be respected throughout the donation process.
- Dignity and Respect: The donor should be treated with dignity and
respect at all times. Their autonomy and wishes should be honored,
 and their cultural and religious beliefs should be taken into
consideration.

2. Recipient Rights:

- Fair and Equitable Access: Recipients have the right to fair and
equitable access to organ transplantation based on medical need and
suitability, rather than factors such as wealth, social status, or
influence.
- Informed Consent: Recipients should be provided with relevant
information about the transplantation procedure, including potential
risks, benefits, and alternatives. They have the right to give informed
consent before undergoing the transplant.
- Privacy and Confidentiality: The recipient’s personal and medical
information should be kept confidential and protected. Their privacy
should be respected throughout the transplantation process.
- Quality of Care: Recipients have the right to receive high-quality
medical care and support throughout the transplantation process. This
includes appropriate pre-transplant evaluation, post-transplant follow-
up, and access to necessary medications and therapies.

To ensure the protection of the rights of both the donor and recipient, there are
ethical guidelines and legal frameworks in place. These guidelines may include the
principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Medical
professionals, transplant centers, and regulatory bodies play a crucial role in
upholding these rights and ensuring ethical practices in organ donation and
transplantation.

It’s important to note that the specific rights and protections may vary based on the
laws and regulations of each country or jurisdiction. The information provided here
is a general overview, and it’s recommended to refer to the specific laws and
guidelines in your country or region for more detailed information.

Nurses play a crucial role in organ donation throughout the process, from identifying
potential donors to supporting the donor’s family and caring for the recipient post-
transplant. Here are some key roles of nurses in organ donation:

1. Identification and Assessment: Nurses are often involved in identifying potential

organ donors. They assess patients for eligibility criteria and collaborate with the
healthcare team to determine the patient’s suitability for organ donation.

2. Communication and Education: Nurses play a vital role in communicating with

the donor’s family, providing emotional support, and explaining the organ donation
process. They educate the family about the importance of organ donation and
answer any questions or concerns they may have.
3. Consent and Documentation: Nurses assist in obtaining informed consent from
the donor’s family for organ donation. They ensure that the consent process is
conducted ethically and in accordance with legal requirements. Nurses also
document all relevant information accurately and maintain confidentiality.

4. Donor Management: Nurses are responsible for managing the donor’s care during
the organ donation process. They monitor vital signs, administer medications, and
coordinate tests and procedures to maintain the viability of organs for
transplantation.

5. Collaboration and Coordination: Nurses collaborate with multidisciplinary teams,

including physicians, surgeons, transplant coordinators, and organ procurement
organizations. They ensure effective communication and coordination to facilitate the
timely recovery and transplantation of organs.

6. Family Support: Nurses provide emotional support to the donor’s family, offering
comfort and guidance throughout the organ donation process. They address the
family’s grief and help them navigate the complex emotions associated with the loss
of their loved one.

When it comes to healthcare ethics, several key concepts should be observed in

organ donation:

1. Autonomy. Respecting the autonomy of the donor and their family is essential.
Nurses should ensure that informed consent is obtained voluntarily and without
coercion.

2. Beneficence. Nurses should act in the best interest of both the donor and
recipient, promoting their well-being and ensuring the highest quality of care
throughout the organ donation process.

3. Non-Maleficence. Nurses should strive to do no harm to the donor or recipient.

They should follow established protocols and guidelines to minimize risks and
complications associated with organ donation and transplantation.

4. Justice. Nurses should ensure fairness and equity in the allocation of organs,
considering medical need and suitability rather than factors such as wealth, social
status, or influence.

5. Confidentiality. Nurses must maintain strict confidentiality regarding the donor’s

medical information and respect the privacy of both the donor and recipient.

By upholding these ethical principles, nurses contribute to the ethical practice of

organ donation and transplantation, ensuring the rights and well-being of all parties
involved.
Organ donation is a complex and ethically challenging area of healthcare. Several
ethical dilemmas commonly arise in the context of organ donation. Here are some of
the key ethical dilemmas associated with organ donation:

 Informed Consent: Obtaining informed consent from the donor or their family
can be challenging. Ethical dilemmas may arise when there is uncertainty
about the donor’s wishes or when family members have differing opinions
regarding organ donation. Balancing respect for autonomy and the need to
make timely decisions can be ethically challenging.
 Allocation and Distribution: The allocation and distribution of organs raise
ethical dilemmas related to fairness, equity, and justice. Deciding who
receives a transplant and when can be challenging due to limited organ
availability. Ethical dilemmas arise when determining allocation criteria, such
as prioritizing patients based on medical need, prognosis, or other factors.
 Organ Trafficking and Commercialization: Organ trafficking, where organs are
bought and sold, is a significant ethical concern. The exploitation of
vulnerable individuals, such as those in poverty, raises dilemmas related to
the commodification of organs and the ethical implications of financial
transactions in organ donation.
 Living Donor Risks and Informed Consent: Living organ donation poses ethical
dilemmas regarding the assessment of the donor’s capacity to provide
informed consent and the potential risks involved. Balancing the desire to
save a life with the potential harm to the donor’s health and well-being
requires careful ethical considerations.
 End-of-Life Care and Timing: Organ donation often occurs after the
determination of brain death or circulatory death. Ethical dilemmas may arise
when deciding the appropriate timing for organ recovery, especially when the
family is still processing the loss of their loved one. Balancing the need for
timely organ recovery with the emotional needs of the family can be ethically
challenging.
 Donor and Recipient Selection: Ethical dilemmas can arise in the selection of
donors and recipients. Factors such as age, medical condition, and social
worthiness can influence decision-making, raising concerns about fairness,
discrimination, and biases in the selection process.
 Cultural and Religious Beliefs: Ethical dilemmas may arise when cultural or
religious beliefs conflict with organ donation. Respecting diverse cultural and
religious perspectives while promoting the benefits of organ donation requires
sensitivity and careful consideration.

Addressing these ethical dilemmas requires a comprehensive and collaborative

approach involving healthcare professionals, ethicists, policymakers, and the wider
community. Ethical guidelines, legislation, and ongoing dialogue are essential to
navigate these dilemmas and ensure ethical practices in organ donation.
 Conclusion

Organ donation is a selfless act that has the potential to save lives and improve the
quality of life for individuals in need of organ transplantation. It reflects the
generosity and altruism of individuals and their families, even in times of personal
loss and grief. Organ donation provides a lifeline for those suffering from organ
failure or diseases that severely impact organ function. It offers the opportunity for
recipients to regain their health, extend their lives, or improve their quality of life.

However, there is a significant shortage of organs available for transplantation

worldwide, leading to long waiting lists and the unfortunate reality that some
individuals may not receive a transplant in time. Increasing public awareness and
education about organ donation is crucial to address this shortage. Organ
procurement organizations play a vital role in the organ donation process,
identifying potential donors, obtaining consent, and coordinating organ recovery and
transplantation. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent and fairness in
organ allocation, are essential to ensure that organ donation is conducted ethically
and responsibly.

It is a remarkable demonstration of human compassion and generosity, offering

hope and a second chance at life to those facing organ failure or life-threatening
conditions. Organ donation also contributes to advancements in medical science
and surgical techniques, driving progress in healthcare. However, it is important to
acknowledge the ethical considerations, emotional impact, and challenges
associated with organ donation, such as the shortage of available organs and the
need for careful management and support for both donors and recipients.

Ultimately, organ donation is a personal decision influenced by individual beliefs,

values, and circumstances. It offers the opportunity to make a profound impact on
the lives of individuals in need, fostering hope, compassion, and the gift of life.
 Bibliography
o Philippine Organ Donation and Transplant Program
o Republic Act No. 7170 – Organ Donation Act of 1991
o How to Become an Organ Donor in the Philippines: A
Comprehensive Guide
o Types of Organ Donation: Sharing Your Organs to Save Others
o Ethical Principles in the Allocation of Human Organs
o Organ Transplantation: Ethical Issues and the Role of the
Healthcare Professional
o Organ Donation and Transplantation: Ethical, Legal, and Social
Issues- Nursing Roles in Organ Donation: An Integrative Review
o Ethical Issues in Organ Donation and Transplantation
o Ethics in Organ Transplantation- Ethical Issues in Organ Donation
and Transplantation
o Ethics in Organ Transplantation
o Ethical Dilemmas in Organ Transplantation
Prepared by: JAZZY T. ACEBUCHE BSN II

Submitted to: MARVIN D. SOCORRO, RN, MAN, USRN - Lecturer