Introduction: The practice of organ donation following Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) presents complex ethical, legal, and procedural challenges. The MAiD-Donor Environmental Scan in Canada is designed to investigate the policies, procedures, and guidelines governing this practice. Given the evolving nature of MAiD, this study aims to provide clarity and insight into the processes surrounding organ donation post-MAiD, ensuring ethical integrity, patient autonomy, and procedural transparency within the Canadian healthcare system.
Method: This environmental scan involves four phases. In Phase 1, a scoping review will be updated using the JBI approach and PRISMA guidelines to capture literature published between December 2021 and the present. Phase 2 employs a cross-sectional survey to gather insights from Organ Donation Organizations (ODOs) and healthcare professionals across Canada, identifying gaps in current practices. Phase 3 utilizes in-depth qualitative interviews with key stakeholders including ODO managers, Organ and Tissue Donation Coordinators (OTDCs), and MAiD providers to explore existing protocols. Phase 4 will involve a retrospective data review, analyzing organ donation statistics post-MAiD to uncover regional patterns and trends.
Results: The updated scoping review (completed) provides an overview of current literature on organ donation after MAiD, highlighting key gaps in policy and practice. The survey and interviews (ongoing) are collecting data on the specific challenges faced by healthcare professionals involved in organ donation following MAiD, offering insights into existing protocols, medication combinations, and regional differences in practices. The retrospective data (to be started) review will provide further evidence on the success rates of organ donation post-MAiD and the characteristics of high-performing regions.
Conclusion: The MAiD-Donor Environmental Scan aims to address the gaps in the current understanding of organ donation following MAiD. By providing evidence-based insights into current practices, the study will contribute to the development of improved policies and procedures that ensure ethical and effective practices in organ donation. The results of this study will support healthcare professionals by fostering best practices, improving resilience, and enhancing the overall integrity of the organ donation process in Canada. Ultimately, this research will promote patient autonomy and dignity, while improving transplantation outcomes across the country.