Improving consent rates for organ donation: the effect of an inhouse coordinator program.
BACKGROUND
The inability to obtain consent remains one of the major obstacles to organ donation. The presence of in-house coordinators (IHCs) from organ procurement organizations (OPOs) might substantially improve donation rates.


OBJECTIVE
To review the preliminary results of the effect of the presence of an IHC on organ donation rates at our center.


METHODS
This is a retrospective analysis of patients referred to the regional OPO for possible organ donation. An IHC program was started at our hospital in late 2001. Data regarding organ donation demographics and family consent rates were compared before (Pre-IHC, 1998-2001) and after (Post-IHC, 2002-2005) the institution of an IHC program. The conversion rate was calculated as the number of actual donors divided by the number of potential donors and is represented as a percentage. The function of the IHC was to assist in donor surveillance, ensure timely referral, provide hospital staff education, assist with family consent and donor management, and provide family support.


RESULTS
There were a total of 495 potential donors and 195 actual donors during the 8-year time period. Post-IHC was associated with a significantly higher consent rate (52% vs. 35%, p < 0.01), a significantly higher conversion rate (50% vs. 34%, p < 0.01), and a 17% increase in organs donated compared with Pre-IHC.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of an IHC program significantly improves consent and conversion rates for organ donation. An IHC program should be considered as a viable option to bridge the gap between organ supply and organ demand.
Salim
Ali
A
Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Critical Care, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA. asalim@surgery.usc.edu
Brown
Carlos
C
Inaba
Kenji
K
Mascarenhas
Angela
A
Hadjizacharia
Pantelis
P
Rhee
Peter
P
Belzberg
Howard
H
Demetriades
Demetrios
D
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016377:Organ Transplantation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000458:organization & administration*