January 26, 2010
New Publication by CRHD Faculty Member, Dr. Daryl Thornton
Dr. Daryl Thornton, medical director at MetroHealth Medical Center's Medical Intensive Care Unit and faculty at the Case Center for Reducing Health Disparities has published a paper in the Journal of the National Medical Association that highlights the need for patient-physician conversations regarding organ donation in minority populations. Typical discussions on organ donation occur at end of life, but should be discussed in primary care physicians offices before then.
Dr. Thornton surveyed a random sample of 831 primary-care physicians nationwide, which included minority physicians and found that the topic of organ donation needs to be addressed on many levels.
While 30% of physicians reported discussing end-of-life care with their patients, fewer than 4% reported discussing donation with their patients. However, only 36% felt that discussing donation was outside of their scope of practice.
Dr. Thornton's work is highlighted in today's issue of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and the article itself is available online at the Journal's website, page 52.