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Review
. 2017 Apr-Jun;7(2):91-100.
doi: 10.4103/IJCIIS.IJCIIS_30_17.

Keys to successful organ procurement: An experience-based review of clinical practices at a high-performing health-care organization

Affiliations
Review

Keys to successful organ procurement: An experience-based review of clinical practices at a high-performing health-care organization

Thomas R Wojda et al. Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci. 2017 Apr-Jun.

Abstract

Organ procurement (OP) from donors after brain death and circulatory death represents the primary source of transplanted organs. Despite favorable laws and regulations, OP continues to face challenges for a number of reasons, including institutional, personal, and societal barriers. This focused review presents some of the key components of a successful OP program at a large, high-performing regional health network. This review focuses on effective team approaches, aggressive resuscitative strategies, optimal communication, family support, and community outreach efforts.

Keywords: Organ donor optimization; organ procurement; team approaches; team effectiveness; transplantation.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The United States transplant waiting list candidates by organ type, based on Organ Procurement, and Transplantation Network (OPTN) data as of March 29, 2017
Figure 2
Figure 2
Schematic representation of the organ procurement and transplantation process. OPO: Organ procurement organization
Figure 3
Figure 3
Laminated donation process information card provided to all health-care providers who have the potential to interact with potential organ donors during their daily work. Shown are referral triggers for identifying and referring potential organ donors to our Organ Procurement Organization
Figure 4
Figure 4
Family communication protocol incorporated as a part of our global institutional approach to support families of potential organ donors
Figure 5
Figure 5
Standardized protocol for facilitating organ donation based on the two procurement approaches – donation after brain death and donation after cardiac death
Figure 6
Figure 6
Brain death determination guidelines included in our institution's organ donation process information card
Figure 7
Figure 7
Organ donor management goals. Once a potential organ donor is identified, all clinical personnel involved in direct bedside care work with the organ procurement organization coordinator to follow these guidelines
Figure 8
Figure 8
Organ donor management standing orders. This list of standing orders mirror the order set available in our electronic medical record

References

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    1. SRTR. Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. Minnesota: [Last updated on 2016 Apr 30; Last cited on 2017 Mar 30]. Available from: https://www.srtr.org/
    1. Shafer TJ, Wagner D, Chessare J, Zampiello FA, McBride V, Perdue J. Organ donation breakthrough collaborative: Increasing organ donation through system redesign. Crit Care Nurse. 2006;26:33. - PubMed
    1. UNOS. Critical Pathway for the Organ Donor. Virgnia: United Network for Organ Sharing; 2002. [Last updated on 2011 Feb 11; Last cited on 2017 Mar 30]. Available from: http://www.unos.org/wp.content/uploads/unos/Critical_Pathway.pdf .
    1. Health Care at the Crossroads: Strategies for Narrowing the Organ Donation Gap and Protecting Patients. Chicago, IL: Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; c2004. [Last updated on 2005 May 31; Last cited on 2017 Mar 30]. Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Available from: https://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/organ_donation_white_paper.pdf .