In this episode of Behind the Paper, Macey Levan, Social Media Editor for the Transplantation journals, speaks with Gabriel E. Gondolesi, Marti Manyalich, and Steven Potter about their article:
Clarifying the Donation After Circulatory Death Process: Addressing Misunderstandings, Correcting Misinformation, and Building Trust Through Education
The discussion focuses on donation after circulatory death, or DCD, and why clear communication, standardized protocols, and professional education are essential to maintaining public trust in organ donation and transplantation.
The episode explores how misinformation and media narratives can affect donation rates, the importance of separating end-of-life care decisions from organ procurement, the role of the no-touch period, and why ICU clinicians need consistent training around DCD processes.
The authors also discuss international experience with DCD programs, including lessons from Spain, and emphasize that DCD should be understood as a safe, ethical, and established part of modern deceased organ donation.
