Reviving Organs, Redefining Death? The Ethical Controversy Over Normothermic Regional Perfusion

Needs Statement

Clinicians require targeted education to strengthen their understanding and application of bioethics and health policy in clinical practice. Many lack foundational knowledge of ethical principles, legal frameworks, and emerging policy issues, which limits their ability to recognize and respond to ethically complex situations. Even when aware of these issues, clinicians need support in developing structured reasoning skills, communicating effectively about sensitive topics, and navigating institutional constraints. This series aims to expand knowledge of foundational ethical principles and frameworks, current and emerging health policy issues, and content at the intersection of ethics, law, and clinical practice. This series will also enhance the ability of the learner to analyze complex ethical dilemmas using structured reasoning, communicate effectively about ethical and policy concerns with patients, families, and colleagues, and navigate institutional and systemic constraints with greater confidence and clarity. Ultimately, the goal is to translate knowledge and competence into improved clinical practice by fostering more ethically sound and policy-aware clinical decisions, increased advocacy for equitable and just healthcare practices, and a shift toward more holistic, patient-centered care that considers social, legal, and systemic factors.

Target Audience

Physicians, fellows, residents, nurses, social workers, and other health professionals.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of the activity, the participants should be able to:

  • Define normothermic regional perfusion (NRP), distinguish its two forms, and explain why it is of interest to transplant surgeons and organ procurement organizations.
  • Describe the ethical controversy surrounding NRP by outlining the main objections and the responses to those objections.
  • Summarize proposed solutions to the controversy, focusing on decisions that can be made at the bedside and at the health policy level.
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 Ethics
  • 1.00 Participation
  • 1.00 Social Work
Course opens: 
12/01/2025
Course expires: 
12/31/2027
Cost:
$1.00
Rating: 
0

Baylor College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Baylor College of Medicine designates this enduring material activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This activity has been designated by Baylor College of Medicine for 1 credit of education in medical ethics and/or professional responsibility.

Social Work: Baylor College of Medicine, Division of Continuing Professional Development (License Number 7270) is an approved continuing education provider for Social Workers through the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners. This activity has been approved for 1 continuing education unit.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 Ethics
  • 1.00 Participation
  • 1.00 Social Work

Price

Cost:
$1.00
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Thank you for reviewing this Baylor College of Medicine on-demand activity. In order to complete the evaluation and claim credit for your participation, please select the appropriate payment option above. After payment has been completed, you will receive an email confirmation and receipt. 

For any questions, contact [email protected].