Authors' objectives:

Developments in the transplantation of organs, tissues and cells raise many hopes. However, many uncertainties and problems are also emerging. This PubliForum aimed to help initiate a broad debate on the possibilities and limitations of transplantation medicine, and promote the exchange of ideas between specialists and the man/woman on the street. Such a dialogue is especially important as the Swiss authorities are currently drafting legislation on transplantation.

Authors' recommendations: The PubliForum gave a group of 30 lay people the opportunity to discuss various aspects of transplantation medicine with professionals from a broad array of specialized branches. The lay people then wrote a report giving their perceptions of the situation and their recommendations to decision-makers in the fields of politics, the economy, medicine, and scientific research. Recommendations: The recommendations of the laypanel included the following: - We are seriously concerned in seeing that the general population is better informed on transplantation medicine so as to enhance transparency and increase the willingness to donate. - Although the explicit prior patient consent solution respects the dignity of the donor to the highest degree, we would recommend that Parliament incorporate the extended solution into the law on transplantation in view of increasing the availability of organs. - It appears that medical personnel exert significant influence on the willingness to donate organs. For this reason, we would recommend that stronger emphasis be placed on training them in the area of communication and in dealing with family members. - The advantages of xenotransplantations mentioned by the experts are hardly capable of offsetting the extensive risks. Therefore, we place enormous emphasis on alternatives (eg, artificial organs, stem cells).

Authors' methods: Conference

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http:/www.publiforum2000.ch/

Year Published: 2000

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Switzerland

Organisation Name: Centre for Technology Assessment at the Swiss Science and Technology Council

Contact Address: Birkenweg 61, 3003 Bern, Switzerland. Tel: +41 31 322 9966; Fax: +41 31 323 3659

Contact Name: sergio.bellucci@swtr.admin.ch

Contact Email: sergio.bellucci@swtr.admin.ch

Copyright: Centre for Technology Assessment at the Swiss Science and Technology Council