Organ procurement.

Abstract

The growth of organ transplantation has led to increased physician assistant involvement in the organ procurement process. Consent for organ donation must be obtained from the family of the brain-dead patient prior to discontinuation of life-support systems. This is a complex and difficult task for the counseling clinician. It requires a sound understanding of brain death, the mechanics of the procurement system, and the needs of the donor family. In this article, a specialist offers practical guidelines to PAs who wish to help these families make informed decisions about organ donation.