Organ donation after medical assistance in dying: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

Objective:This scoping review will collate and summarize the current literature on what is known worldwide about organ donation following medical assistance in dying. The information gathered will be used to inform updates of current and future policies on organ donation following medical assistance in dying in Canada.Introduction:Medical assistance in dying is a controversial and contentious issue worldwide. While more countries are legalizing medical assistance in this regard, very few allow organ donation after such assistance has been given. At present, Canada, Belgium, and The Netherlands are the only three countries that permit this procedure. This scoping review will be conducted to summarize the current state of evidence and practices regarding organ donation following medical assistance in dying.Inclusion criteria:This review will consider articles and documents on individuals who choose organ donation following medical assistance in dying. Articles will be considered for inclusion if they explore organ donation following medical assistance in dying at home or in any health care setting in any country. Quantitative and qualitative studies, text and opinion papers, gray literature, and unpublished materials provided by researchers will be considered for inclusion.Methods:This review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Published and unpublished materials will be included. Databases will include MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science – Science Citation Index and Social Science Citation Index, and Academic Search Complete. Relevant gray literature and materials from organ donation organizations will be included. Two independent reviewers will screen all material, extract data, and complete the descriptive examination.

Organ donation following medical assistance in dying, Part II: a scoping review of existing processes and procedures

“…Originally, in our research protocol, 11 we presented an overarching research question (What processes, procedures, and outcomes have been reported in the literature worldwide about organ donation following MAiD? ), followed by 6 subquestions.…”

“…), followed by 6 subquestions. In this second part of the 2-part review, we address 2 subquestions, with the remaining questions addressed in a separate paper 12 . This second part addressed the following subquestions: What processes need to be in place for organ donation following MAiD? What are the specific procedures followed for organ donation following MAiD in the different settings? …”

Organ donation following medical assistance in dying, Part I: a scoping review of legal and ethical aspects

“…In our research protocol, 15 we presented an overarching research question (What processes, procedures, and outcomes have been reported in the literature worldwide about organ donation following MAiD? ), which was followed by 6 subquestions.…”

Navigating crossroads: exploring organ donation following medical assistance in dying

“…We have included visual aids and detailed explanations of the different pathways used worldwide for organ donation processes following MAiD: the steps for organ donation following MAiD in the hospital setting; MAiD at the patient's home with organ retrieval in the hospital; and MAiD starting at home with completion in the hospital setting, followed by organ retrieval. 12 We have also examined the processes of organ donation following MAiD from the viewpoint of the health care professionals involved in the processes, and procedures around the potential benefits and challenges of the practice. Next, we explored insights into the roles and perceptions of health care providers during organ donation following MAiD, acknowledging the emotional weight carried by these professionals.…”

“…Finally, the crucial role of clinical practice tools, and the need for education and support for health care providers involved in this juncture are explored. 12 This 2-part review offers a comprehensive foundation to guide further exploration of the existing evidence and, as mentioned, provides the basis for future initiatives in this field that require navigation of a complex blend of ethics, legality, and health care practices of organ donation following MAiD in our society. In a world where medical ethics are in constant flux and where compassion for others propels change, the boundaries of what is possible and acceptable are continuously pushed.…”