Organdonation og -allokering i et mikroøkonomisk perspektiv

This article provides an introduction to the problems with shortage of organs from living and deceased donors, and discusses, from a microeconomic perspective, various measures aimed at increasing supply of donor organs and improving allocative efficiency. The article begins with an account of the organ shortage situation in Denmark, Europe and USA. Then it discusses methods and principles behind organ allocation in these countries. Despite certain similarities between the methods used there is far from consensus on the criteria for allocating organs to patients on the waiting list in different countries. The article then discusses various initiatives aimed at reducing organ shortage. Although some of the initiatives discussed are still viewed as controversial in Denmark and other countries there appear to be realistic opportunities to increase the number of available donor organs.