Giving the gift of life: increasing Canada's organ donation rate

Canada has one of lowest rates of organ donation among the industrialized nations. Through an analysis of the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of people living in Canada, this study examines effective ways to increase rates of organ donation in Canada, using a policy analysis approach to address the problem of low organ donation rates. A survey completed by 155 people over the age of 19 and living in Canada reveals potential gaps in people’s understanding of the consent process in each jurisdiction and reveals factors that contribute to one’s willingness to donate an organ. A study of policies legislated or endorsed in other jurisdictions contributes to the analysis by identifying potential policy strategies to consider in Canada. The study proposes a three-pronged national strategy to fill in the understanding gap and increase organ donor rates.