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Professor Randhawa's research has made significant impact upon government policy and practice in relation to public engagement and professional training in the field of organ donation. The Government's Organ Donation Taskforce made 14 recommendations, one of which was to ensure organ donation was made more visible among BME communities. Subsequently, NICE Guidelines specifically referred to the need to address faith and cultural issues for families and relevant training for staff. This has informed specific national campaigns by targeting different communities and providing relevant staff training which has led to an increase in organ donor registrations from diverse communities.
This case study describes the impact of Sque's programme of research into the psychological and social concerns that impact organ/tissue donation and family members' end of life and post mortem decision-making. This work has impacted UK national policy, which guides practice and education of health professionals about the care of families who have organ donation discussed with them, and national guidance for staff responsible for care after death (last offices). It has informed public debate internationally about care of the bereaved family and how to increase the availability of organs, from deceased persons for transplants. The reach and significance of this information ranges from an international (ELPAT) and parliamentary platform to teaching volunteer service users within the University of Wolverhampton's Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing about the need for post mortem organ donation. This research has therefore impacted the public and healthcare professionals, locally, nationally and internationally.
This Case Study describes, inter alia, the late Professor David Price's sustained research in the broad field of organ transplantation, from which a substantial knowledge base and research expertise was developed. Its principal focus was on the availability and supply of human organs and tissue for transplantation, the continuing shortages thereof and the implications of shortfalls on quality and loss of This work has led to demonstrable policy and practice developments at national and international levels. Collaboration with policy makers, academics and health professionals across Europe has resulted in legislative developments and changes to policies and professional practice.
An 11-year programme of translational research carried out at the University of Southampton into the decision making of bereaved family members regarding organ and tissue donation has led to direct impacts on health care policy and practices. The research examined why families of the newly deceased decide for or against organ and tissue donation, and what support they need during this process. As a result, both the approach and service provided post donation to approximately 5,700 bereaved family members has changed. Findings have impacted on the training of approximately 250 specialist nurses working for National Health Service Blood and Transplant (NHS BT) and are challenging the current informational/documentary systems that are in place to facilitate donation. Findings from this extensive body of work are now embedded in NICE guidance, national clinical practice guidelines and public awareness initiatives.
Research in the Department of Social Anthropology concerning the ethics of the use of biotechnology has had an impact on organisations with a public voice on the ethical use and regulation of body parts for reproduction and medicine, such as the Nuffield Council on Bioethics (NCOB), and indirectly the Welsh Assembly, the UK-wide Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HEFA). Further, their recommendations which have been informed by this research have had significant impact on public understanding and debate; health and well-being; and on egg donors and recipients in particular. Implementation of recommendations based on the research has seen waiting times for donor eggs halve.
Work by Farsides has had a significant impact on public policy and professional practice and has led to measurable improvement in outcomes. Farsides' research has contributed to an increase of 50 per cent in organ donations. Her work has facilitated the resolution of ethical issues for clinicians caring for potential organ donors, for example through the establishment of an ethical framework for caring for donors after circulatory death. In terms of embryo donation, her research has influenced current practice and policy around consent and payment for donation, and led to the revisiting of guidance relating to donation and freezing policies.
Research in Southampton Law School's Health Ethics and Law (HEAL) network has made a significant contribution to improving the way in which ethical issues in health are addressed in the UK and further afield. HEAL members' specialist research has informed several Department of Health policy documents and policy makers, as well as the strategies of organisations governing bioethics. Their recommendations have influenced professional guidelines for clinicians and lawyers, defining and underpinning good practice so as to protect and benefit service users. Increased understanding of ethical issues in health among the wider public has been promoted through high-profile media coverage.
Research undertaken with the Newcastle Hospitals Transplant Unit led to the approval of two new transplant processes and resulted in the expansion of the kidney donor pool.