Abstract

Definition of the problem: Even after the new German legislation about organ donors and transplantation (“information solution”), the question of criteria for distributing the organs is still not solved. The various alternatives to solve this problem face different social acceptance and economic efficiency.Arguments: Medical criteria (e.g. HLA compatibility) and non-medical criteria (e.g. willingness to pay of the patients) are valued on the basis of generally accepted objectives (e.g. equal access to health services or low costs). As an innovative form of organ distribution systems the club solution is introduced. It allows the donor to realise preferences regarding use of the organs.Conclusion: Scoring systems may help to increase the transparency of organ allocation. From an economic point of view medical criteria have to be weighted more than non-medical criteria