A new report from Healthcare Improvement Scotland has found that nearly three-quarters of Scots surveyed support the opt-out system for organ and tissue donation in Scotland.
The statistics were revealed in the 18th Citizens’ Panel report, which gathered views from 646 people. They were asked about their attitudes to organ and tissue donation after death.
A large majority of respondents (76%) were in favour of the current system. Scotland uses an opt-out system for organ and tissue donation, meaning people are considered willing to donate their organs when they die, unless they have chosen to opt out or belong to an excluded group.
Family or loved ones will always be consulted and asked about known views, faith, and beliefs before any donation goes ahead.
A large majority of respondents were aware of the opt-out system of organ and tissue donation in Scotland (88%), and understood that the opt-out system means that they may be presumed to be willing to donate unless they have stated that they do not wish to do so (86%).
The majority of respondents (82%) also feel that they have enough information to make an informed choice about their organ and tissue donation.
Three quarters of respondents (73%) felt that their family or close friends know what their wishes are regarding organ and tissue donation, including 46% who felt that their family or friends “definitely” know their wishes.
However, respondents were less likely to know how to register their organ and tissue donation decision (55%).
One person who responded noted: “More advertising is needed to explain how to donate, how this affects your end of life and how your family is involved.”
And another noted: “It would be good if more information was available to help people decide and discuss with family and friends.”
Others were unsure if they would be able to donate due to concerns about their age, health conditions and eligibility to donate.
Diana Hekerem, Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s Associate Director of Transformational Change, said: “The issue is a very sensitive one, but the findings from Citizens’ Panel 18 clearly show strong public support for organ and tissue donation in Scotland.
“Three-quarters of those who responded supported the current opt-out system. Most who replied felt they had enough information to make an informed decision, although understanding of some aspects of the donation system aren’t always clear.”
There was positive feedback to the idea of organ and tissue donation.
One respondee said: “I’m in favour of a system that makes as many organs available as possible and minimises decisions for family.’
Another added: “If someone else could benefit from my death, it will not matter to me but could matter a huge amount to the recipient.”
And another concluded: “To give another person the gift of life is a privilege not to be missed.”
The report has six conclusions, including that there should be more communications on how the opt-out systems works, the need for an awareness campaign, and encouraging people to talk about their decision to donate or opt-out.
The full report is now available to read online:
https://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.scot/htmldocs/eighteenth-citizens-panel-report/
