The Single Most Critical Factor for Effective DCD Family Conversations
The Alliance Virtual Town hall series is established to highlight successful OPO and Transplant program relationships and the resulting donation and transplant outcomes, sharing model elements from which others may emulate successful practices.
LifeSource is among many OPOs working to discern “leading indicators” for donation authorization. We have identified several elements of prep work that, when present, result in families having the support, information and time to make thoughtful, informed decisions about potential DCD donation. These elements are:
- Hospital support and alignment for DCD as a standard part of end of life discussions
- Early process connection with hospital care team, following initial referral
- Huddles to share information and establish a shared plan
- Peer-to-peer coaching to center on family needs and plan for donation conversation
We will touch on honoring donor designation in DCD, noting that the process connection with hospital care teams is key to optimally timed DCD donation discussions and fulfilling the patient’s donor designation.