What Is the Effect of Organ Donation Authorization Rates When Utilizing a Standardized Effective Request Process?

To determine if implementation of a standardized effective request process (ERP) can increase organ donation authorization rates.

Design: A retrospective, observational study was performed using data acquired from the Midwest Transplant Network. chi-square test was used to analyze categorical data, with p value of less than 0.05 deemed significant.

Setting: The Midwest Transplant Network located in Westwood, KS from January 1, 2013 to June 30, 2017.

Patients: A total of 1,391 consecutive patients were identified as potential donors based on medical evaluation of the patient's neurologic status, organ function, and established age criteria.

Interventions: An ERP was used when discussing donation with 733 patients (53%), compared with no ERP usage with 658 patients (47%).

Measurements and main results: A significant increase (30%) in donation rates was observed when an ERP was used. A comparative decrease in donation rates was observed whenever a breakdown in any of the four identified steps occurred.

Limitations: The data analyzed was gathered retrospectively. Due to the retrospective nature of our study, there is no way to determine delay in authorization times versus no delay. Although most population data information about the authorized donors was known, this information was limited in patients who declined.

Conclusions: With proper preparation and planning, the implementation of a standardized ERP may improve organ donation rates and increase the number of life-saving organs for transplant.