2016, Number 3
Latin American survey on bioethics and transplant. STALyC - IV Bioethics Forum on Transplants
Baquero A, Alberú J, García-García G, Bengonchea M, Gautos A, Reyes-Acevedo R, Tanus R, Tanus E, Barragán-Sánchez A, Cantú-Quintanilla G
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Language: Spanish
References: 13
Page: 94-101
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ABSTRACT
Background: Bioethic culture progresses in the different fields of medical and surgical practice. Objective: Evaluating the scope and progress of bioethics in countries of Sociedad de Trasplantes de América Latina y el Caribe (STALyC) (Latin America and Caribbean Transplant Society). Methodology: A poll was designed with sociodemographic data and about 20 questions on bioethics regarding transplants. The survey was electronically sent to members of STALyC in each country. Results: 42 respond questionaries were received, coming from 11 countries in Latin America (with a larger participation of Mexico, 28.5%; Argentina, 14.2% and Chile, 11.9%). 52% of respondents have a specialty in Nephrology, and 33% in Surgery. 100% of respondents considered as necessary a document to be signed by the physician and the patient explaining the type of surgical intervention to be performed, possible complications, alternative treatments and expected results. Also, 100% stated that this practice is usual in their countries. 90% said that information about treatment should be given to an autonomous patient, and to a relative if authorized by patient. 80% agrees that the physician can refuse to carry out a treatment on grounds of his/her right to conscientious objection. 52% of respondents did not have a formation on Bioethics at the school of medicine; however, 69% have been through some type of updating on bioethical subjects in the last 5 years, and 97% state that it is important that Bioethics has a space at transplant conventions. However, 84% think that participants in the convention do not attend to bioethical subjects because schedule conflicts with subjects that are more important for them. 84% tell that he/she knows about the existence of a Bioethics Committee at the institution where they he/she works. Also, variation and lack of knowledge prevail among respondents regarding the number of patients under dialysis in their country: there does not seem to be a reliable national record available to those involved in the health sector. The same is found about waiting list of patients for a kidney transplant. Conclusions: Bioethics is a field with growing relevance in transplant practice in Latin America and the Caribbean. Reliable national records are required, both for patients under renal replacement therapy and transplanted patients.REFERENCES