Organ Donation Decisions Demystified: A Guide for the Curious
five essential details on organ donation:
Ever asked yourself about organ donation? Let's face it, it's a tough topic. But it's important to discuss and decide. Here are five key points about the organ donation card that every person should know.
Digital Alternatives rule the day
Don't like carrying cards? No worries! Store your organ donation decision digitally on the organ donation register's website, "organspende-register.de," managed by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. Hospital staff can easily access this information if needed. To sign up, here's what you'll need:
- ID card with online identification features or an eResidence permit or eID card
- AusweisApp
- Health insurance number
- Email address
Your decision can also be recorded using a patient's decree. Interestingly, a traditional will won't do, as it's only opened post-mortem when organ donation is no longer an option, according to the "organspende-info.de" portal.
16 is the magic number
Germany follows the Transplantationsgesetz, which states that at 16, you can decide on organ donation. Procrastinating? No sweat - you can choose to object at 14 instead. If your child is younger, legal guardians make the call.
Change is good
Changing your mind is part of life. And when it comes to organ donation, you can alter your decision as often as needed. If you've recorded your will in the register, simply update the entry. Lost your card? Trash it and create a new one with your fresh decision.
Keep the card handy (not in the drawer!)
A completed organ donation card won't do you any good if it remains hidden in a drawer. experts suggest storing it safely, like in your wallet, and informing relatives about your wishes.
Journey abroad? Carry an example in the local language
Vacationing overseas? Don't forget to take your organ donation card with you,, preferably in the local language. Download templates in 29 languages available here for convenience.
Bonus Tip
Before traveling, familiarize yourself with the local organ donation regulations in your destination country. While Germany tends to follow consent-based donation, other countries practice presumed consent. Keep your organ donation card handy, and make sure your wishes are known.
Source: ntv.de, awi/dpa
- Travel Healthcare
- Organ Donation Awareness
- Health Portals
- Digital Health
Additional Insights
In Germany, digitizing your organ donation decision can be done via apps like DAK ePA, providing access to the new organ donation register[6]. Key aspects to consider:
- App Access: Secure access to the organ donation register is possible through apps such as DAK ePA, which requires you to be a DAK-Gesundheit customer and have an Android device running Android 10 or higher[6].
- Personal Identification: For secure access, unique personal identification is required during the registration process, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR[6].
- Digital Awareness and Education: While digital platforms make registration simpler, there are still obstacles, like a lack of digital literacy and awareness about the importance of organ donation[3].
- Offline vs. Online Systems: Germany currently has both offline donor cards and digital registries, though these systems aren't fully integrated, leading to some inefficiencies[4].
- Legal and Privacy Considerations: The process must adhere to strict privacy and data protection standards, ensuring personal health data is secure and protected[6].
For more comprehensive guidance on using specific apps or platforms, consult their setup guide or reach out to the service provider directly.
- The Commission, recognizing the importance of health and wellness, has also adopted a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as science and medical-conditions warrant the need for such measures.
- Advances in science have made it possible to digitally store one's organ donation decision, thereby ensuring that health portals like the organ donation register's website, organspende-register.de, can provide vital information to hospital staff and facilitate easy access in times of need, reflecting the growth of digital health.
