Open AccessThe trials and tribulations of liver allocation
Author(s) -
Lee Eunice,
Johnston Chris J. C.,
Oniscu Gabriel C.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
transplant international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.998
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1432-2277
pISSN - 0934-0874
DOI - 10.1111/tri.13710
Subject(s) - equity (law) , transparency (behavior) , resource allocation , medicine , health care rationing , liver transplantation , waiting list , population , outcome (game theory) , demographics , adaptability , process (computing) , transplantation , intensive care medicine , computer science , economics , demography , surgery , economic growth , environmental health , political science , law , microeconomics , computer security , computer network , health care , management , sociology , operating system
Summary Allocation policies are necessary to ensure a fair distribution of a scarce resource. The goal of any liver transplant allocation policy is to achieve the best possible outcomes for the waiting list population, irrespective of the indication for transplant, whilst maximizing organ utilization. Organ allocation for liver transplantation has evolved from simple centre‐based approaches driven by local issues, to complex, evidence‐based algorithm prioritizing according to need. Despite the rapid evolution of allocation policies, there remain a number of challenges and new approaches are required to ensure transparency and equity on the decision‐making process and the best possible outcomes for patients on the waiting list. New ways of modelling, together with novel outcome criteria, will be required to enable a dynamic adaptability of the allocation policies to the ever changing demographics of the donor population and the changing landscape of indications for transplantation.