Potential problems:
(1) Failure to fully disclose how the cadaver will be used, especially with permanent preservation of organs in teaching collections.
(2) Failure of the donor to grasp the meaning of dissection.
(3) No clear record of final disposition, or evidence of suboptimal disposal.
Recommendations:
(1) The form should be simple, brief and easy to understand. It should avoid technical jargon.
(2) There should be a brief, informative summary of the dissection procedure. A phone number to call for additional information should be provided.
(3) The role of cadavers in medical research and training should be described.
(4) If any tissue may be permanently preserved, this should be mentioned and the consent giver offered the option to decline this.
(5) There should be a description of the body handling and the assurance that the body will be handled with respect and dignity.
(6) The form should list the phone number and other ways of getting in touch with the Office for Anatomic Gifts.
Other items that should be included:
(7) There should be a declaration of the final body disposition (burial, cremation, etc).
(8) An area for the donor to specify restrictions.
(9) Adequate space for signatures of the donor and witnesses.
