Organ donation may be a possibility for some palliative care patients who have died. Suitability for organ donation is determined after death has occurred and each case needs to be assessed individually, as there are usually restrictions. For example organs from persons with previous cancer or infectious disease would not be suitable. Age of the deceased is not usually a consideration. 

It is important to be aware that to donate organs a person needs to register with the Australian Organ Donor Register or inform their family. It is no longer sufficient to tick a box on a drivers licence. Visit www.donatelife.gov.au for more information.

The Australian Brain Bank Network conducts research in relation to neurological and psychiatric conditions and accepts tissue donations.

Some patients may wish to donate their bodies to science in the hope of assisting others through research.

Resources

• The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has information on Making a decision about Organ and tissue Donation after death.
• Details on organ donation can be found at the Australian Organ Donor Register
• Details can also be found on the donate life website, an Australian Government initiative
• The Center for Bioethics, University of Minnesota (US) has a document: End of Life Care: An Ethical Overview
• End of Life / Palliative Education Resource Centre (EPERC) Fast Facts: Discussing organ donation with families
• The ABC website has information on Donating your body 
• The University of NSW (School of Medical Sciences) has a body donation program with a list of frequently asked questions. These programs are likely to be offered in other states.
• The General Medical Council in the UK has produced a guidance for doctors that may be of interest: Treatment and Care Towards the End of Life – Good practice in decision-making.

Related CareSearch Pages

Nurses Hub
Communication
Working with Families

CareSearch Review Collection
Organ Donation

Free Full text Article

• Roach R, Broadbent AM. Eye donation in Sydney metropolitan palliative care units. J Palliat Med. 2010 Feb;13(2):121-3.
• Edwards P. Corneal donation within palliative care: a review of the literature. Int J Palliat Nurs. 2005 Sep;11(9):481-6.
• Carey I, Forbes K. The experiences of donor families in the hospice. Palliat Med. 2003 Apr;17(3):241-7.
• Wells J, Sque M. 'Living choice': the commitment to tissue donation in palliative care. Int J Palliat Nurs. 2002 Jan;8(1):22-7.

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Last updated 16 February 2012*