(April 23, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Some simple techniques can increase the likelihood that relatives will give permission for organ donation, according to a study in the British Medical Journal.

Here are some facts about organ donation:

•    People of any age can be organ donors.

•    Organs that can be donated include the kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, pancreas, eyes, tissue, bones, stomach, and small bowels.

•    Doctors refer patients to organ donation organizations only after all lifesaving options have been exhausted.

Researchers from John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford reviewed 20 studies that explore the modifiable factors that influence whether or not relatives agree to organ donation following the death of a loved one.

The factors most likely to encourage consent were timing the request so that it did not coincide with the death announcement and ensuring that an informed and trained professional made the request. Other factors included making the request in a private setting and ensuring that the potential donor received high quality of care.

We had a chance to speak with Dr. Duncan Young, the principal investigator of this study, who offered some further insight.

Today's research offers suggestions on how hospitals can increase the number of relatives who agree to donate the organs of their deceased loved ones.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.