scholarly journals Transplant Tourism: New Zealand Residents Deciding on Commercial Transplantation Overseas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Olivia Anderson

<p>The demand for organs exceeds supply in almost every country, including New Zealand. As such, scholars have argued that this has contributed to a rise in illegal kidney purchase and commercial transplantation. Taking into account the likelihood that patients in New Zealand have been involved, this research considers the factors that motivate these patients to circumvent the transplant opportunities here in favour of a commercial transplant overseas. In addition, this project examines the ethical concerns that arise for medical professionals who suspect or become aware of a patient’s intention to procure an organ outside of New Zealand. Interviews were conducted with eight medical professionals working in the field of kidney donation and transplantation, two key informants (stakeholder and academic), and two patients. The patients have previously undergone a kidney transplant in New Zealand and have both — to varying degrees — considered transplant tourism. Using narrative thematic analysis, the data was organised into three predominant themes; The Desire for Health, Transplant Tourism: An Uncommon Phenomenon, and The Healthcare Response. Numerous insights were generated from this analysis. While transplant tourism is considered by many patients in New Zealand, it is pursued infrequently and arguably only by those with connections to common destination countries. When such instances occur, medical professionals in New Zealand encounter a variety of ethical, legal, and professional dilemmas that affect their ability to prevent transplantrelated crimes. This research concludes that patients (regardless of whether or not they pursue transplant tourism) experience feelings of frustration and hopelessness as a result of their illness experiences along with the current healthcare infrastructures. Assisting patients in setting realistic expectations of their treatment options, as well as increasing the transparency of the deceased donor waiting list is recommended. Moreover, it is suggested that transplant professionals at all levels are offered education about organ trafficking and transplant tourism, and a policy statement on organ trafficking and transplant tourism should be developed to clarify the rights and obligations of medical professionals in relation to organ purchase and offer guidance on how they can interact with patients who travel or plan to travel abroad for a transplant.</p>

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Olivia Anderson

<p>The demand for organs exceeds supply in almost every country, including New Zealand. As such, scholars have argued that this has contributed to a rise in illegal kidney purchase and commercial transplantation. Taking into account the likelihood that patients in New Zealand have been involved, this research considers the factors that motivate these patients to circumvent the transplant opportunities here in favour of a commercial transplant overseas. In addition, this project examines the ethical concerns that arise for medical professionals who suspect or become aware of a patient’s intention to procure an organ outside of New Zealand. Interviews were conducted with eight medical professionals working in the field of kidney donation and transplantation, two key informants (stakeholder and academic), and two patients. The patients have previously undergone a kidney transplant in New Zealand and have both — to varying degrees — considered transplant tourism. Using narrative thematic analysis, the data was organised into three predominant themes; The Desire for Health, Transplant Tourism: An Uncommon Phenomenon, and The Healthcare Response. Numerous insights were generated from this analysis. While transplant tourism is considered by many patients in New Zealand, it is pursued infrequently and arguably only by those with connections to common destination countries. When such instances occur, medical professionals in New Zealand encounter a variety of ethical, legal, and professional dilemmas that affect their ability to prevent transplantrelated crimes. This research concludes that patients (regardless of whether or not they pursue transplant tourism) experience feelings of frustration and hopelessness as a result of their illness experiences along with the current healthcare infrastructures. Assisting patients in setting realistic expectations of their treatment options, as well as increasing the transparency of the deceased donor waiting list is recommended. Moreover, it is suggested that transplant professionals at all levels are offered education about organ trafficking and transplant tourism, and a policy statement on organ trafficking and transplant tourism should be developed to clarify the rights and obligations of medical professionals in relation to organ purchase and offer guidance on how they can interact with patients who travel or plan to travel abroad for a transplant.</p>


2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (8) ◽  
pp. 817-820 ◽  
Author(s):  
John S. Gill ◽  
Aviva Goldberg ◽  
G. V. Ramesh Prasad ◽  
Marie-Chantal Fortin ◽  
Tom-Blydt Hansen ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e000956
Author(s):  
Grace Currie ◽  
Anna Tai ◽  
Tom Snelling ◽  
André Schultz

BackgroundDespite advances in cystic fibrosis (CF) management and survival, the optimal treatment of pulmonary exacerbations remains unclear. Understanding the variability in treatment approaches among physicians might help prioritise clinical uncertainties to address through clinical trials.MethodsPhysicians from Australia and New Zealand who care for people with CF were invited to participate in a web survey of treatment preferences for CF pulmonary exacerbations. Six typical clinical scenarios were presented; three to paediatric and another three to adult physicians. For each scenario, physicians were asked to choose treatment options and provide reasons for their choices.ResultsForty-nine CF physicians (31 paediatric and 18 adult medicine) participated; more than half reported 10+ years of experience. There was considerable variation in primary antibiotic selection; none was preferred by more than half of respondents in any scenario. For secondary antibiotic therapy, respondents consistently preferred intravenous tobramycin and a third antibiotic was rarely prescribed, except in one scenario describing an adult patient. Hypertonic saline nebulisation and twice daily chest physiotherapy was preferred in most scenarios while dornase alfa use was more variable. Most CF physicians (>80%) preferred to change therapy if there was no early response. Professional opinion was the most common reason for antibiotic choice.ConclusionsVariation exists among CF physicians in their preferred choice of primary antibiotic and use of dornase alfa. These preferences are driven by professional opinion, possibly reflecting a lack of evidence to base policy recommendations. Evidence from high-quality clinical trials is needed to inform physician decision making.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Shang-Chin Lai

<p>Organ trafficking is a transnational issue that calls for a response from the international medical community. Despite consistent condemnation, organ trafficking persists due to the worldwide shortage of organs for transplantation. This paper discusses the human rights abuses perpetuated by organ trafficking and suggests some approaches to reducing organ trafficking and transplant tourism. The paper concludes that combating organ trafficking requires a cohesive response from the international community of states, comprising of mutually reinforcing legal reform at international and domestic levels. In particular, states should seek to lighten the burden on the worldwide shortage of organs by increasing local supply. This paper considers presumed consent to be the most effective system of organ procurement. As such the paper suggests a framework for implementing presumed consent in New Zealand, in order to increase organ donation rates.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Jaime Marie Conroy

<p>This study examined women’s experiences of drug and alcohol treatment in New Zealand, with a focus on Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT). The qualitative literature on the treatment experiences of substance-using women is scarce, especially in a New Zealand context, with the majority of literature being quantitative, male-focused, and lacking the female voice. Available literature suggests that substance-using women have unique needs and experiences which must be addressed and acknowledged in treatment for a long-lasting positive change. This thesis aims to explore the experiences of women who have or are attending substance use treatment in New Zealand and their recommendations for improving substance use treatment for women. Areas examined include the experience of stigma, connections and relationships in treatment, and the importance of knowledge. These factors culminate in an exploration of participants’ suggestions for improvement. The current study is qualitative, feminist-informed and employed the use of semi-structured interviews with 11 women who have been or are currently in treatment as well as two service providers. The data from these interviews was analysed using Thematic Analysis, finding that women in this study overall had positive experiences. However, there were several areas for improvement suggested by participants including a need for greater access to treatment options, particularly gender-sensitive, holistic approaches. A need for greater knowledge amongst service providers, especially General Practitioners (GPs), on how to treat problematic substance use and the available treatment options was also expressed. Women on MMT had similar, yet varied, experiences compared to those attending other treatments.</p>


2016 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 77-85
Author(s):  
Johanna E. Maree ◽  
Dalene Beckmann

An exploratory qualitative research approach was selected for this study aiming to explore how people living with breast cancer related lymphedema experience this complication. Unstructured interviews were conducted with nine purposively selected participants. Living with breast cancer related lymphedema was not easy. Participants were not informed of the possibility of developing lymphedema and felt let down by the medical professionals they consulted. They had to face the physical, psychological and practical consequences without the continuous support of a knowledgeable therapist. Managing the lymphedema was a challenge as they could not afford the necessary treatment and theself-care items. In addition, treatment failure resulted in them feeling exploited and using various treatment options. Nurses should maintain a high level of suspicion of breastcancer related lymphedema, assess patients for lymphedema and refer them to a therapist specifically trained in the management of this debilitating condition.Hierdie studie ondersoek die belewenis van mense met borskanker verwante limfedeem.‘n Kwalitatiewe eksploratiewe navorsingsontwerp is gekies en ongestruktureerde onderhoude is met nege doelgerig gekose persone gevoer. Limfedeem kompliseer die lewe en die proefpersone het die nie maklik gevind om daarmee saam te leef nie. Hulle is nie ingelig oor die moonlikhied om limfedeem te ontwikkel nie en was van mening dat hulle deur die medici wat hulle behandel het in die steek gelaat is. Die proefpersone moes die fisiese, psigologiese en praktiese gevolge van limfedeem sonder die bystand van ‘n kundige terapeut te bowe kom. Die hantering van die limfedeem was ‘n uitdaging aangesien hulle nie die behandeling en self-sorg artikels kon bekostig nie. Die slegte resultate van behandeling het tot gevolg gehad dat die proefpersone uitgebuit gevoel het en ook verskillende behandelingsopsies gevolg het. Verpleegkundiges moet ‘n hoë vlak van bewustheid ten opsigte van limfedeem handhaaf, pasiënte hiervoor beraam en na ‘n terapeut wat in limfedeem spesialieer verwys.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley Gray ◽  
Rachel Chamberlain ◽  
Caroline Morris

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Obesity is now widely regarded as the main contributor to poor health globally, overtaking tobacco as the leading potentially modifiable risk to health. Community pharmacists are delivering an increasing number of extended services and are potentially well placed to contribute to obesity management strategies. No studies to date have investigated the views of community pharmacists in New Zealand about their role in weight management. AIM To explore the views of community pharmacists in one region of New Zealand about their role in weight management, including the perceived barriers and facilitators to their involvement. METHODS Qualitative, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 11 community pharmacists from the Greater Wellington region. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using an inductive approach. RESULTS Four key themes were identified from data analysis. These were: (i) perceptions of obesity; (ii) perceptions of weight management treatment options; (iii) the unique position of the community pharmacist; and (iv) barriers to involvement. The main barriers described included: (i) a lack of time and remuneration; (ii) the absence of an appropriate space within the pharmacy to discuss weight-related matters; (iii) and a lack of awareness of who to contact for specialist support. DISCUSSION Community pharmacists in Greater Wellington believe that they have a distinct role in their local community and can contribute to a multidisciplinary approach to reduce levels of obesity. Further work is required to determine the most appropriate role for community pharmacy in weight management and the training needs for pharmacy staff to optimally fulfil this role.


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