Body donor programs in Australia and New Zealand: Current status and future opportunities

Abstract

Body donation is critical to anatomy study in Australia and New Zealand. Annually, more than 10,000 students, anatomists, researchers, and clinicians access tissue donated by local consented donors through university-based body donation programs. However, little research has been published about their operations. This study sought to examine the characteristics of the nineteen body donation programs operating in Australia and New Zealand. Information was collected from publicly available sources, virtual interviews with 17/19 programs, and responses to a set of questions (11/19). Body donation is locally regulated in both countries. Four Australian programs operate as central mortuaries supplying users in their state, while the remainder and the New Zealand programs operate institutionally. Annually, 1000–1500 donors are received across both countries. Retention periods vary, although most donors are returned for disposition within 3 years. All facilitate the return of cremated remains to the family on donor election. Most programs (16/19) reported that they received sufficient donors, with many narrowing their acceptance area. Pre-death registration of donors is required by 12/19 programs; five Australian programs will accept next-of-kin donations post-mortem. Next-of-kin authorization is required for donation; New Zealand programs seek this at the time of donor registration. All programs recognize donors; fifteen host commemoration/thanksgiving services for donors and their families. Body donation is well supported by local communities in both countries. Opportunities for improvement include the development of regional standards, engagement with donors/the community about body donation, and recognition of the primacy of donor elections over next-of-kin wishes.