Abstract for: A System Dynamics Model of the Kidney Transplants in the U.S.

In one of the most developed countries in the world, the United States of America, a crucial problem for the population remains unsolved: the huge waiting list for patients waiting for an organ transplant. On average, 21 people die each day while waiting for a transplant. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the current kidney transplant situation in the U.S., as well as to test by means of system dynamics modeling whether policies lead to an amelioration of the waiting list problem. Two different policies that balance effectiveness and social acceptance are implemented with the aim to improve the supply side of the system, i.e. the donation of kidneys. The main conclusions are that the implication of such policies are effective and necessary, but not sufficient. Further research in living donation is required to guarantee a sufficient solution to the problem.