Objectives-To measure the potential for cadaver organ retrieval in New South Wales and to determine the reasons for potential donors (17/73). Assuming that the potential donor rate was that implied by the observed donor rate (13/million population/year) the projected missed potential donor rate was 9/million population/year (95% confidence interval 4 to 15) and the projected rate of potential donors with permission refused was 13/million population/year (95% confidence interval 5 to 22). Assuming that the rate of potential donors in the study hospitals was the same as in the other New South Wales hospitals, the projected donor rate for New South Wales was 18/million population/year (10 to 26); the projected missed potential donor rate was 15/million population/year (7 to 23); and the projected rate of potential donors with permission refused was 18/million population/year (10 to 27).Conclusions-The donor rate could be increased 70%-80% by overcoming the reluctance of medical practitioners to resuscitate missed potential donors and increased further by gaining permission for organ retrieval from the next of kin.
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