The Suitability of Potential Organ Donors Using Real Case-Scenarios; Do we Need to Create a “Donor Board” Process for Donors Perceived as Unlikely Suitable?

Abstract

Introduction: Despite availability of selection criteria, different interpretations can lead to variability in the appreciation of donor eligibility with possible viable organs missed. Our primary objective was to test the perception of feasibility of potential organ donors through the survey of a small sample of external evaluators.Methods: Clinical scenarios summarizing 66 potential donors managed in the first year of our Organ Recovery Center were sent to four critical care physicians to evaluate the feasibility of the potential donors and the probability of organ procurement.Results: Potential donors procuring at least one organ were identified in 55 of the 66 cases (83%). Unanimity was reached in 38 cases, encompassing 35 out of the 55 converted and 3 of the non-converted donors. The overall agreement was moderate (kappa = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37–0.82). For the organs finally procured for transplantation, organ donation was predicted for the majority of the cases, but high discrepancy was present with the final outcome of organs not procured (particularly liver and kidney).Conclusion: The assessment of a potential donor is a complex dynamic process. In order to increase organ availability, standardized electronically clinical data, as well a “donor board” structure of decision might inform future systems.