The Spanish organ donation & transplantation Model as a role model for Austria and Germany?

Abstract

Many countries across the globe are facing lack of donor organs. Austria and Germany are among those developed countries that cannot fulfil organ demand. Spain is an exceptional country in this regard and occupies a pioneer role in organ donation and transplantation. The aim of this study was to analyse the particularities of the Spanish Model in comparison to the German and Austrian system and as a consequence to detect indicators to increase organ donation. With the help of a new analytical framework, the single influencing factors have been investigated for the three countries and the key success factors of the Spanish Model have been identified. The subsequent cross-country comparison has shown that both countries Austria and Germany could learn from Spain and adapt three key success factors of the Spanish Model: The implementation of a comprehensive communication policy, the reinforced use of old aged donors and the introduction of a holistic quality assessment program.