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Can we increase organ donation by reducing the disincentives? An experimental analysis

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  • Hawley, Zackary
  • Li, Danyang
  • Schnier, Kurt
  • Turgeon, Nicole

Abstract

Our research utilizes the experimental economics laboratory to investigate the impact that reducing disincentives has on organ donation. The experiment consists of four treatments across different levels of donation related costs, which reflect the disincentives associated with being an organ donor. Our experimental results indicate that sizable increases in the organ donation rate are achievable if we reduce the level of disincentives present. The largest observed donation rates arise when a financial return is offered for being an organ donor, which is prohibited under the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA), but nearly 80% of the gains observed under the positive financial incentives can be achieved if all of the disincentives are eliminated.

Suggested Citation

  • Hawley, Zackary & Li, Danyang & Schnier, Kurt & Turgeon, Nicole, 2018. "Can we increase organ donation by reducing the disincentives? An experimental analysis," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 29(C), pages 128-137.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ehbiol:v:29:y:2018:i:c:p:128-137
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2018.03.001
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Organ donation; Disincentives; Laboratory experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D02 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Institutions: Design, Formation, Operations, and Impact
    • D71 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Social Choice; Clubs; Committees; Associations
    • I11 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Analysis of Health Care Markets
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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