Abolishing age criterion to determine organ transplant recipients in Israel: A qualitative study of medical staff perceptions

Eyal Katvan, Orly Korin*, Israel Issi Doron, Eytan Mor, Boaz Shnoor, Daniel Gelman, Tamar Ashkenazi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: Since April 2014 the age limitation on candidates listed for organ transplantation in Israel was abolished following the recommendations of a Public Committee. In this research the new policy was examined in light of scarce medical resources and the increased rate of aging in Israel. Methods: The opinions of twelve medical staff regarding the policy change were analyzed by a qualitative methodology, using semi-structured interviews. Results: Interviews with medical staff members revealed three main themes: 1. positive acceptance of the new policy; 2. concerns and problems regarding the change; and 3. the influence of the policy change on the organ transplant allocation system and patient-doctor relationships. Discussion and Conclusions: The medical staff expressed positive views towards the new policy, based on age-free, individually determined admission to transplant waiting lists. However, some concerns were raised regarding the medical implications of this policy, thus potentially hindering its full application.

Original languageEnglish
Article number105197
JournalHealth Policy
Volume150
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2024

Funding

FundersFunder number
Israel National Institute for Health Policy Research148-16

    Keywords

    • Age limit
    • ageism
    • organ transplantation
    • policy change
    • qualitative

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Abolishing age criterion to determine organ transplant recipients in Israel: A qualitative study of medical staff perceptions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this