A study on organ transplantation waiting lines in Brazil's Unified National Health System

Abstract

This study analyzes the waiting lines for solid organ transplants in Brazil's Unified National Health System. By using a queuing theory model, we estimate the waiting times for different organs under alternative scenarios. The model reveals the elasticity of various waiting times with respect to arrival and service rates for organ transplantation within the system. Average waiting time for a solid organ transplant is very long and highly elastic in Brazil. The article discusses some important possibilities for reducing such waiting times.