Employment management and compensation related to organ donation at transplant facilities

<p>【Objective】 Since 1968, given the distrust of the public after the first heart transplant performed by Dr. Wada, transplant teams in Japan have been working tirelessly without complaint. Additionally, such teams are inherently exposed to occupational risks because of the urgency of travel associated with organ procurement. Under these circumstances, overstraining them will lead to problems. In this study, based on the result of a survey conducted by the Japanese Society for Transplantation, the current situation of employment management in the transplant facilities is examined, with special attention to accident compensation related to organ procurement as a means to ensure the safety and health of the transplant team.</p><p>【Methods】 From December 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021, directors of 132 transplant facilities were contacted via post with a survey containing 39 questions for the person in charge involved in employment management to complete. From December 1, 2020 to February 1, 2021, another survey containing 37 questions was emailed to all the members of the Society for the transplant doctors to complete.</p><p>【Results】 Of the 132 transplant facilities, only 41 (31%) responded to the survey. In total, 340 transplant surgeons participated in the survey. A total of 34 out of 40 facilities (85%) have a notification system for organ procurement travel. Out of 280, only 218 doctors (78%) requested permission to travel for organ procurement. Out of 39 hospitals, 36 (92%) permit their transplant teams to apply for industrial accident insurance. Moreover, only 3 of the 37 facilities (8%) contract a special insurance to cover accidental damage; however, this compensation is insufficient for recouping lost profits.</p><p>【Conclusion】 The current employment management of transplant facilities in Japan has some issues with accident compensation related to organ procurement. For Japan to maintain high standards of clinical transplant, it is necessary to establish a new accident compensation system related to organ procurement.</p>