NARROWING THE ORGAN DONATION GAP - HOSPITAL DEVELOPMENT METHODS THAT MAXIMIZE HOSPITAL DONATION POTENTIAL

The purpose of this article is to identify and describe this organ pro curement organization's hospital development methods that have markedl y increased the quantity and quality of organ donor referrals. Procedu res used include the establishment of organ donor programs (hospital d onor programs) within each donor hospital. The goal for these hospital donor programs is to monitor and maximize organ procurement within ea ch institution. Routine quality assurance or death audits along with r eferral data from the organ procurement organization's database provid e both the organ procurement organization and the hospital donor progr am with the necessary information to evaluate organ procurement streng ths and weaknesses. This data is used in concert with ongoing developm ent activities, which include, but are not limited to, physician and s taff education and frequent marketing visits. Early referral to the or gan procurement organization of all nonsurvivable head injuries for ev aluation as potential organ donors, and a timely request for donation by the organ procurement organization coordinator are emphasized. The results of these efforts have been gratifying. In 1989, 138 referrals and 41 organ donations occurred. In 1990, 174 referrals and 66 organ d onations occurred. In 1991, 213 referrals and 71 organ donations occur red. In 1992, 228 referrals and 70 organ donations occurred. In the fi rst 6 months of 1993, 146 referrals and 40 organ donations occurred, f or a prorated figure of 292 referrals and 80 organ donations annually. In conclusion, these results appear to validate the benefits of this approach and its significant contribution to narrowing the donation su pply and demand gap.