Resilience among organ donation coordinators: a Canadian mixed-methods study.

Background: Organ and Tissue Donation Coordinators (OTDCs) are key to the success of deceased organ donation processes. However, reduced resilience can leave them susceptible to the incidence of work-related issues and decrease the quality of the care provided. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the extent of resilience and influencing aspects among OTDCs in Canada. Methods: Mixed-method (QUAN-qual) explanatory sequential design. Quantitative data was collected using an online cross-sectional survey approach with demographic data and the validated scales and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was collected using a descriptive approach with a semi-structured interview guide and analyzed using content analysis. Results: One hundred twenty participants responded to the survey, and 39 participants were interviewed. Most participants from the survey were female (82%), registered nurses (97%) and on average 42 years old. The quantitative data revealed that OTDCs had a high level of perceived compassion satisfaction (ProQOL-CS = 36.3) but a resilience score (CD-RISC = 28.5) lower than other groups of healthcare professionals. OTDCs with over a year of experience in the role were more likely to have higher levels of resilience. The qualitative data identified that participants saw resilience as crucial for their work-related well-being. Although coping strategies were identified as a key factor that enhance resilience, many OTDCs reported difficulty in developing healthy coping strategies, and that the use of unhealthy mechanisms (e.g., alcohol and smoking) can result in negative physical consequences (e.g., weight gain) and reduced resilience levels. Conclusion: Participants reported using a series of coping and protective strategies to help build resilience, but also difficulty in developing healthy mechanisms. The lack of healthy coping strategies were seen as contributing to negative work-related issues (e.g., burnout). Our findings are being used to develop tailored interventions to improve resilience and healthy coping strategies among organ donor coordinators in Canada.

Organ donation following medical assistance in dying, Part I: a scoping review of legal and ethical aspects.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to collate and summarize the current literature on what is known about organ donation following medical assistance in dying (MAiD). Additionally, for this first part of a 2-part scoping review, the focus is on legal and ethical considerations regarding organ donation following MAiD. INTRODUCTION: Organ donation following MAiD is a relatively new procedure that has sparked much debate and discussion. A comprehensive investigation into the legal and ethical aspects related to organ donation following MAiD is needed to inform the development of safe and ethical practices. INCLUSION CRITERIA: In this review, we included documents that investigated legal and/or ethical issues related to individuals who underwent organ donation following MAiD in any setting (eg, hospital or home) worldwide. We considered quantitative and qualitative studies, text and opinion papers, gray literature, and unpublished material provided by stakeholders. METHODS: This scoping review followed JBI methodology. Published studies were retrieved from databases, including MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), PsycINFO (Ovid), Web of Science Core Collection, and Academic Search Complete (EBSCOhost). Gray and unpublished literature included reports from organ donation organizations in Canada, The Netherlands, and Belgium. Two independent reviewers screened all reports (both by title and abstract and by full text) against the inclusion criteria, extracted data, and completed a content analysis. Disagreements between the 2 reviewers were resolved through discussions among the reviewers and the lead reviewer. RESULTS: We included 121 documents for parts I and II of our scoping review, 89 of which are included in part I. The majority of the 89 documents were discussion papers published in English and in Canada from 2019 to 2021. In the content analysis, we identified 4 major categories regarding ethical and legal aspects of organ donation following MAiD: i) legal definitions, legislation, and guidelines; ii) ethics, dilemmas, and consensus; iii) consent and objection; and iv) public perceptions. We identified the main legislation regulating the practices of organ donation following MAiD in countries where both procedures are permitted, the many ethical debates surrounding this topic (eg, eligibility criteria for organ donation and MAiD, disclosure of donors' and recipients' information, directed organ donation, death determination in organ donation following MAiD, ethical safeguards for organ donation following MAiD), as well as the public perceptions of this process. CONCLUSIONS: Organ donation following MAiD has raised many legal and ethical concerns regarding establishing safeguards to protect patients and families. Despite the ongoing debates around the risks and benefits of this combined procedure, when patients who request MAiD want to donate their organs, this option can help fulfill their last wishes and diminish their suffering, which should be the main reasons to offer organ donation following MAiD.

Organ donation following medical assistance in dying, Part II: a scoping review of existing processes and procedures.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to collate and summarize the current literature on what is known about organ donation following medical assistance in dying (MAiD). For this second part of a 2-part scoping review, the focus is on the existing procedures and processes for organ donation following MAiD. INTRODUCTION: Organ donation following MAiD is a novel and contentious issue worldwide. To give direction for future research and initiatives, a comprehensive understanding of the available evidence of existing procedures and processes for organ donation following MAiD is needed. INCLUSION CRITERIA: For this review, the population of interest included all individuals who underwent organ donation following MAiD; the concept was defined as procedures and processes involved in organ donation after MAiD; and the context was reports of organ donation following MAiD at home or in any health care setting worldwide. We considered quantitative and qualitative studies, text and opinion papers, gray literature, and unpublished material provided by stakeholders. METHODS: This scoping review was conducted in line with JBI methodology. Published studies were retrieved from MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), PsycINFO (Ovid), Web of Science Core Collection, and Academic Search Complete (EBSCOhost). Gray and unpublished literature included reports from websites and organ donation organizations in Canada, Belgium, and The Netherlands. Two independent reviewers screened all reports (both title and abstract, and full text) against the predetermined inclusion criteria, extracted data, and completed a content analysis. Any disagreements between the 2 reviewers were resolved through discussion or with another reviewer. RESULTS: We included 121 documents across parts I and II, and we report on 107 documents in this second part. The majority of the 107 documents were discussion papers, published in English, and in Canada from 2019 to 2021. In the content analysis, we identified 5 major categories regarding existing procedures and processes of organ donation following MAiD: i) clinical pathways for organ donation following MAiD; ii) organ donation following MAiD and the donor; iii) clinical practice tools for organ donation following MAiD; iv) education and support for health care providers involved in organ donation following MAiD; and v) health care providers' roles and perceptions during organ donation following MAiD. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this review can be used to provide support and guidance for improvements in procedures and processes, as well as a rich resource for countries currently planning to establish programs for organ donation after MAiD.

Dons d'organes et de tissus après décès dans le cadre de l'aide médicale à mourir : mise à jour 2023 du document d'orientation pour l'élaboration de politiques.

CONTEXTE: Depuis la parution du document d'orientation de 2019 de la Société canadienne du sang (SCS) pour les dons d'organes et de tissus après décès dans le cadre de l'aide médicale à mourir (AMM), le gouvernement fédéral a apporté des amendements à sa loi sur l'AMM. La présente mise à jour s'adresse aux médecins, aux organismes de don d'organes, aux spécialistes des soins de fin de vie et de l'AMM et aux responsables des orientations politiques; on y explique les répercussions de ces amendements. MÉTHODES: La Société canadienne du sang a réuni un groupe de 63 spécialistes de divers domaines (soins intensifs, dons d'organes et de tissus, administration des services de santé, AMM, bioéthique, droit et recherche) pour faire le point sur ces changements à l'occasion de son Forum d'orientation sur le don d'organes et de tissus après décès dans le cadre de l'aide médicale à mourir. Deux personnes admissibles à l'AMM et 2 proches de personnes ayant fait un don d'organe après l'AMM y ont aussi participé. Dans le cadre de 3 réunions consécutives tenues en ligne entre juin 2021 et avril 2022, les personnes participant au Forum ont abordé divers sujets en grands et petits groupes. Les discussions ont été guidées par une revue documentaire publiée selon la méthodologie JBI. Nous avons utilisé une technique du groupe nominal adaptée pour rédiger les recommandations qui ont fait consensus. La gestion des intérêts concurrents s'est faite selon les principes du Guidelines International Network, un réseau international qui se consacre aux lignes directrices de pratique clinique. RECOMMANDATIONS: Même si bon nombre des recommandations du document d'orientation de 2019 demeurent pertinentes, la présente mise à jour a permis d'en actualiser 2 et d'en formuler 8 nouvelles dans les domaines suivants : aiguillage vers un organisme de don d'organes, consentement, dons dirigés et conditionnels, procédure d'AMM, détermination du décès, équipes soignantes et préparation de rapports. INTERPRÉTATION: Les politiques et les pratiques en matière de don d'organes et de tissus après l'AMM au Canada doivent être conformes à la législation canadienne actuelle. La mise à jour de ce document d'orientation aidera les médecins à s'y retrouver parmi les enjeux médicaux, juridiques et éthiques inhérents à leur travail auprès de personnes qui souhaitent faire un don d'organes après l'AMM.

Deceased organ and tissue donation after medical assistance in dying: 2023 updated guidance for policy.

BACKGROUND: Since Canadian Blood Services (CBS) developed policy guidance in 2019 for organ and tissue donation after medical assistance in dying (MAiD), the federal government has made changes to legislation related to MAiD. This document provides updated guidance for clinicians, organ donation organizations, end-of-life care experts, MAiD providers and policy-makers on the impact of these changes. METHODS: Canadian Blood Services assembled a group of 63 experts from critical care, organ and tissue donation, health care administration, MAiD, bioethics, law and research to review the legislative changes in the Organ and Tissue Donation After Medical Assistance in Dying - Guidance for Policy forum. Two patients who had requested and been found eligible for MAiD and 2 family members of patients who had donated organs after MAiD were also included as participants. In a series of 3 online meetings from June 2021 to April 2022, forum participants addressed a variety of topics in small and large groups. These discussions were informed by a comprehensive scoping review using JBI methodology. We used an adapted form of nominal group technique to develop the recommendations, which were approved by consensus of the participants. Management of competing interests was in accordance with Guideline International Network principles. RECOMMENDATIONS: Although many of the recommendations from the guidance developed in 2019 are still relevant, this guidance provides 2 updated recommendations and 8 new recommendations in the following areas: referral to an organ donation organization, consent, directed and conditional donation, MAiD procedures, determination of death, health care professionals and reporting. INTERPRETATION: Policies and practices for organ and tissue donation after MAiD in Canada should align with current Canadian legislation. This updated guidance will help clinicians navigate the medical, legal and ethical challenges that arise when they support patients pursuing donation after MAiD.

Death determination by neurologic criteria-what do families understand?

PURPOSE: Currently, there is little empirical data on family understanding about brain death and death determination. The purpose of this study was to describe family members' (FMs') understanding of brain death and the process of determining death in the context of organ donation in Canadian intensive care units (ICUs). METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study using semistructured, in-depth interviews with FMs who were asked to make an organ donation decision on behalf of adult or pediatric patients with death determination by neurologic criteria (DNC) in Canadian ICUs. RESULTS: From interviews with 179 FMs, six main themes emerged: 1) state of mind, 2) communication, 3) DNC may be counterintuitive, 4) preparation for the DNC clinical assessment, 5) DNC clinical assessment, and 6) time of death. Recommendations on how clinicians can help FMs to understand and accept DNC through communication at key moments were described including preparing FMs for death determination, allowing FMs to be present, and explaining the legal time of death, combined with multimodal strategies. For many FMs, understanding of DNC unfolded over time, facilitated with repeated encounters and explanation, rather than during a single meeting. CONCLUSION: Family members' understanding of brain death and death determination represented a journey that they reported in sequential meeting with health care providers, most notably physicians. Modifiable factors to improve communication and bereavement outcomes during DNC include attention to the state of mind of the family, pacing and repeating discussions according to families' expressed understanding, and preparing and inviting families to be present for the clinical determination including apnea testing. We have provided family-generated recommendations that are pragmatic and can be easily implemented.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: À l'heure actuelle, il y a peu de données empiriques sur la compréhension des familles de la mort cérébrale et de la détermination du décès. Le but de cette étude était de décrire la compréhension des membres de la famille de la mort cérébrale et du processus de détermination du décès dans le contexte du don d'organes dans les unités de soins intensifs (USI) canadiennes. MéTHODE: Nous avons mené une étude qualitative à l'aide d'entrevues semi-structurées et approfondies avec des membres de la famille à qui on a demandé de prendre une décision de don d'organes au nom de patients adultes ou pédiatriques dont le décès avait été déterminé selon des critères neurologiques (DCN) dans les unités de soins intensifs canadiennes. RéSULTATS: Sur la base d'entrevues avec 179 membres de la famille, six thèmes principaux ont émergé : 1) l'état d'esprit, 2) la communication, 3) le DCN peut être contre-intuitif, 4) la préparation à l'évaluation clinique pour un DCN, 5) l'évaluation clinique pour un DCN et 6) le moment du décès. Des recommandations sur la façon dont les cliniciens peuvent aider les membres de la famille à comprendre et à accepter un DCN par la communication à des moments clés ont été décrites, y compris la préparation des membres de la famille à la détermination du décès, l'autorisation de la présence des membres de la famille et l'explication de l'heure légale du décès, combinées à des stratégies multimodales. Pour de nombreux membres de la famille, la compréhension du DCN s'est développée au fil du temps et a été facilitée par des rencontres et des explications répétées plutôt qu'au cours d'une seule rencontre. CONCLUSION: La compréhension qu'ont les membres de la famille de la mort cérébrale et de la détermination du décès représente un parcours qu'ils ont décrit lors de rencontres successives avec des acteurs de soins de santé, et particulièrement avec des médecins. Les facteurs modifiables pour améliorer la communication et les issues du deuil pendant un DCN comprennent l'attention portée à l'état d'esprit de la famille, le rythme et la répétition des discussions en fonction de la compréhension exprimée par les familles, ainsi que la préparation et l'invitation des familles à être présentes pour la détermination clinique, y compris pendant le test d'apnée. Nous avons fourni des recommandations familiales qui sont pragmatiques et peuvent être facilement mises en œuvre.

Outcomes from organ donation following medical assistance in dying: A scoping review.

AIM: To collate and summarize the current international literature on the transplant recipient outcomes of organs from Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) donors, as well as the actual and potential impact of organ donation following MAiD on the donation and transplantation system. BACKGROUND: The provision of organ donation following MAiD can impact the donation and transplantation system, as well as potential recipients of organs from the MAiD donor, therefore a comprehensive understanding of the potential and actual impact of organ donation after MAiD on the donation and transplantation systems is needed. DESIGN: Scoping review using the JBI framework. METHODS: We searched for published (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Academic Search Complete), and unpublished literature (organ donation organization websites worldwide). Included references discussed the actual and potential impact of organ donation following MAiD on the donation and transplantation system. All references were screened, extracted and analysed by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: We included 78 references in this review and our finding were summarized across three categories: (1) Impact in the donor pool: (2) statistics on organ donation following MAiD; and (3) potential and actual impact of MAiD on the donation and transplant system. CONCLUSIONS: The potential impact of the MAiD donor on the transplant waiting list is relatively small as this process is still rare, however, due to the current organ shortage worldwide the contribution of this procedure should not be disregarded. Additionally, despite being limited, the existing research provided scanty evidence that organs retrieved from MAiD donors are associated with satisfactory graft function and survival rates and that outcomes from transplant recipients are comparable to those of organs from donation following brain death and may be better than those of organs from other types of donation after circulatory determined death. Still, further studies are required for comprehensive and reliable evidence.

Quality improvement tools to manage deceased organ donation processes: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To collate and summarise the literature on the quality improvement tools that have been developed for deceased organ donation processes after circulatory determination of death and neurological determination of death. DESIGN: Scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute framework. DATA SOURCES: We searched for published (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science) and unpublished literature (organ donation organisation websites worldwide). The search was initially conducted on 17 July 2021 and updated on 1 June 2022. Included articles discussed the creation and/or use of quality improvement tools to manage deceased organ donation processes. Two independent reviewers screened the references, extracted and analysed the data. RESULTS: 40 references were included in this review, and most records were written in English (n=38), originated in Canada (n=21), published between 2016 and 2022 (n=22), and were specific for donation after neurological determination of death (n=20). The tools identified included checklists, algorithms, flow charts, charts, pathways, decision tree maps and mobile apps. These tools were applied in the following phases of the organ donation process: (1) potential donor identification, (2) donor referral, (3) donor assessment and risk, (4) donor management, (5) withdrawal of life-sustaining measures, (6) death determination, (7) organ retrieval and (8) overall organ donation process. CONCLUSIONS: We conducted a thorough investigation of the available quality improvement tools for deceased organ donation processes. The existing evidence lacks details in the report of methods used for development, testing and impact of these tools, and we could not locate tools specific for some phases of the organ donation process. Lastly, by mapping existing tools, we aim to facilitate both clinician choices among available tools, as well as research work building on existing knowledge.

The experiences of family members of deceased organ donors and suggestions to improve the donation process: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Decisions about organ donation are stressful for family members of potential organ donors. We sought to comprehensively explore the donation process from interviews conducted with family members of patients admitted to pediatric and adult intensive care units in Canada. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study using semistructured, in-depth interviews with 271 family members asked to make an organ donation decision. We recruited participants from all provinces with an organ donation organization (n = 10), and analyzed themes using a modified grounded theory approach. On the basis of these interviews, suggestions were made by researchers and family members on how to improve the process of organ donation. RESULTS: We identified 3 main themes and 9 subthemes. Families need more comprehensive support around the time of donation, including having access to someone with shared experiences, support during specific moments as needed and better support during critical transitions (e.g., when the donor body goes to the operating room). The theme of better connection to recipient(s) included receiving information about the donation surgery (e.g., which organs were recovered), establishing connection with recipients (e.g., via social networks or letters) and planned encounters. Support after donation, such as updates on organ transplantation, early mental health checks and continued connection to donor organizations, could be improved. We derived 20 suggestions for improving the organ donation process, derived from interviews with family members of pediatric and adult organ donors. INTERPRETATION: We found gaps in family support during end-of-life and donation care. Feelings of abandonment, lack of support and poor-to-little follow-up provide the empirical findings needed for hospitals and organ donor organizations to provide better support to donor families.

Quality improvement tools to manage deceased organ donation processes: A scoping review protocol.

AIM: To collate and summarize the literature on what quality improvement tools have been developed on safety of deceased organ donation processes for donation after circulatory determination of death and neurological determination of death. BACKGROUND: The increasing organ shortage requires that organ donation organizations take preventive measures to improve their processes and maximize organ donation opportunities. Quality improvement tools can be used to facilitate daily activities, prevent errors and enhance organ donation processes. Still, there is a paucity of comprehensive evidence around the use of these strategies to manage organ donation processes. METHODS: Scoping review methodology according to the Joanna Briggs Institute framework. We will search MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science - Science Citation Index and Social Science Citation Index and Academic Search Complete. We will also conduct a web search of Google and request unpublished material (e.g., institutional protocols and quality improvement tools) from key stakeholders in the organ donation field worldwide and we will consider reports dated after 2000. Two independent reviewers will screen the literature against the inclusion criteria, extract data according to the data extraction tool and perform descriptive analysis. Results will be assembled, summarized and presented through tabular form accompanied by a narrative summary to answer the review question. EXPECTED RESULTS: Results from this scoping review will be used to develop and update quality improvement tools in decease organ donation, will be used to guide the second phase of a study aiming at developing a set of quality improvement tools to decease organ donation process, as well as these results can be used to inform future policy development in deceased organ donation.

Burnout, compassion fatigue and work-related stressors among organ donation and transplantation coordinators: A qualitative study.

AIM: Organ and Tissue Donation Coordinators (OTDCs) are healthcare professionals who manage deceased organ donation cases. This study investigated the experiences and perceptions of OTDCs, pertaining to compassion fatigue, burnout, and resilience as it relates to their daily work. METHODOLOGY: A qualitative descriptive study was undertaken using semi-structured interviews conducted with a convenience sample of OTDCs. SETTING: A Canadian Organ Donation Organization. FINDINGS: Seven out of the ten OTDCs contacted participated in this study. Coordinators all agreed that they work in a high-pressure and demanding environment and the constant exposure to work-related stress and grief has resulted in the majority of them experiencing signs and symptoms of burnout and compassion fatigue occurring throughout their career. Participants described that the emotional toll of work-related stressors and difficult cases led them to use a variety of defence strategies to protect and support their well-being. They also recognised that more strategies to help mitigate work-related stressors and to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue are needed and that management and institutions should lead the development of such interventions. CONCLUSION: Our results describe how coordinators' mental health is affected by their daily work. Further research is needed to comprehensively examine these work-related stressors and to generate additional data to support the development of interventions to mitigate burnout and compassion fatigue among OTDCs.

Organ donation after medical assistance in dying: a scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review will collate and summarize the current literature on what is known worldwide about organ donation following medical assistance in dying. The information gathered will be used to inform updates of current and future policies on organ donation following medical assistance in dying in Canada. INTRODUCTION: Medical assistance in dying is a controversial and contentious issue worldwide. While more countries are legalizing medical assistance in this regard, very few allow organ donation after such assistance has been given. At present, Canada, Belgium, and The Netherlands are the only three countries that permit this procedure. This scoping review will be conducted to summarize the current state of evidence and practices regarding organ donation following medical assistance in dying. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will consider articles and documents on individuals who choose organ donation following medical assistance in dying. Articles will be considered for inclusion if they explore organ donation following medical assistance in dying at home or in any health care setting in any country. Quantitative and qualitative studies, text and opinion papers, gray literature, and unpublished materials provided by researchers will be considered for inclusion. METHODS: This review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Published and unpublished materials will be included. Databases will include MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science - Science Citation Index and Social Science Citation Index, and Academic Search Complete. Relevant gray literature and materials from organ donation organizations will be included. Two independent reviewers will screen all material, extract data, and complete the descriptive examination.

Burnout and compassion fatigue among organ and tissue donation coordinators: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: To collate and synthesise available literature on burnout and compassion fatigue (CF) among organ and tissue donation coordinators (OTDCs) and to respond to the research question: what is known about burnout and CF among OTDCs worldwide? DESIGN: Scoping review using Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. DATA SOURCES: Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS, PTSpubs and grey literature (ResearchGate, OpenGrey, Organ Donation Organization (ODO) websites, open access theses and dissertations) up to April 2020. STUDY SELECTION: Studies reporting aspects of burnout and CF among OTDCs, including risk and protective factors. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently screened the studies for eligibility and extracted data from chosen sources using a data extraction tool developed for this study; NVIVO was used to perform a qualitative directed content analysis. RESULTS: The searches yielded 741 potentially relevant records, of which 29 met the inclusion criteria. The majority of articles were from the USA (n=7, 24%), Canada (n=6, 21%) and Brazil (n=6, 21%), published between 2013 and 2020 (n=13, 45%) in transplant journals (n=11, 38%) and used a qualitative design approach (n=12, 41%). In the thematic analysis, we classified the articles into five categories: (1) burnout characteristics, (2) CF characteristics, (3) coping strategies, (4) protective factors and (5) ambivalence. CONCLUSION: We identified aspects of burnout and CF among OTDCs, including defining characteristics, demographic predispositions, protective factors, coping strategies, precursors, consequences and personal ambivalences. Researchers described burnout and CF characteristics but did not use consistent terms when referring to CF and burnout, which may have hindered the identification of all relevant sources. This gap should be addressed by the application of consistent terminology, systematic approaches and appropriate research methods that combine quantitative and qualitative investigation to examine the underlying reasons for the development of burnout and CF among OTDCs.

Burnout and compassion fatigue among organ donation coordinators: a scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to develop a comprehensive description of burnout and compassion fatigue, including risk/protective factors, among organ and tissue donation coordinators worldwide. INTRODUCTION: Research on turnover rates among organ and tissue donation coordinators has shown that job tenure generally lasts less than three years, a possible consequence of burnout and compassion fatigue. Increased turnover rates of organ and tissue donation coordinators have significant impact on the ability of ODOs to optimize organ donation. This current scoping review will help inform understanding of the nature of burnout and compassion fatigue in this population as well as the available strategies for managing it. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Articles examining health care professionals working as organ and tissue donation coordinators, with the main concepts of interest being burnout and/or compassion fatigue, will be considered. Articles within the context of organ and tissue donation coordinators in acute care settings at any part of the organ donation process will also be considered for inclusion in this review. Quantitative and qualitative studies, text and opinion papers, unpublished material (eg, unpublished research data, reports, institutional protocols, government documents) provided by researchers in the organ donation field worldwide will also be examined for possible inclusion. METHODS: The scoping review will be performed in accordance with JBI methodology. Published and unpublished papers from 1980 to the present will be searched. Databases will include MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL, Embase, LILACS, PsycINFO, and PTSDpubs, while appropriate gray literature will be searched. Two reviewers will screen the papers according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, extract data for specific variables, and perform descriptive examination.

Patient-centred and family-centred care of critically ill patients who are potential organ donors: a qualitative study protocol of family member perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: In a patient-centred and family-centred approach to organ donation, compassion is paramount. Recent guidelines have called for more research, interventions and approaches aimed at improving and supporting the families of critically ill patients. The objective of this study is to help translate patient-centred and family-centred care into practice in deceased organ donation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This will be a national, qualitative study of family members of deceased organ donors in Canada. We will include family members who had been approached regarding an organ donation decision, including those who agreed and declined, at least 2 months and no later than 3 years after the patients' death. Data collection and analysis is ongoing and will continue until September 2020 to include approximately 250 participants. Family members will be identified and recruited from provincial organ donation organisation databases. Four experienced qualitative researchers will conduct telephone interviews in English or French with audio-recording for subsequent transcription. The research team will develop a codebook iteratively through this process using inductive methods, thus generating themes directly from the dataset. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Local research ethics boards (REB) at all participating sites across Canada have approved this protocol. The main REB involved is the Ottawa Health Science Network REB. Data collection began in August 2018. Publication of results is anticipated in 2021. Study findings will help improve healthcare provider competency in caring for potential organ donors and their families and improve organ donation consent rates. Findings will also help with the development of educational materials for a competency-based curriculum for critical care residents.

Potential organ donor identification and system accountability: expert guidance from a Canadian consensus conference.

PURPOSE: Deceased donation rates in Canada remain below the predicted potential and lag behind leading countries. Missing a potential donor leads to preventable death and disability of transplant candidates and increased healthcare costs. METHODS: Stakeholders were invited to a national consensus conference on improving deceased organ donor identification and referral (ID&R) and healthcare system accountability. In advance, participants received evidence-based, background documents addressing death audits, clinical triggers, required referral legislation, ethics, clinical pathways, and donation standards. At the conference, expert presentations and summaries of background information prepared by the Steering Committee informed group discussions of the preset questions. The conference's themes were: 1) expectations of potential donors, recipients and their families; 2) donor ID&R: clinical and legal perspectives; 3) enhancing accountability: gaps and solutions; and 4) enhancing accountability: quality/safety organizations. RESULTS: Thirty-seven consensus statements were generated. At the healthcare professional (HCP) level, key statements include: 1) donation be consistently addressed as part of end-of-life care but only after a decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatment; 2) HCP know how and when to identify and refer potential donors; and 3) transplant candidates be informed of local allocation guidelines and performance. At the healthcare system level, key statements include: 1) national adoption of clinical criteria to trigger ID&R; 2) dedicated resources to match donation activities, including transfer of a potential donor; 3) performance measurement through death audits; 4) reporting and investigation of missed donation opportunities (MDO); 5) recognition of top performers; and 6) missed donor ID&R be considered a preventable and critical safety incident. CONCLUSION: Our consensus statements establish HCP and healthcare system responsibilities regarding potential organ donor ID&R and include the tracking, reviewing and elimination of MDO through system-wide death audits. Once implemented, these consensus statements will help honour patients' wishes to donate, improve service to potential transplant recipients, and support HCPs in fulfilling their ethical and legal responsibilitites. Next steps include implementation, assessment of their impact on donation rates, and investigation of new evidence-based targets for system improvement.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Au Canada, les dons des personnes décédées restent inférieurs aux possibilités prédites et loin derrière les pays les plus performants. Le manque de donneurs potentiels aboutit à des décès évitables, à l'invalidité des candidats à la transplantation et à des coûts de soins de santé plus élevés. MéTHODES: Les principaux acteurs ont été invités à une conférence de consensus nationale sur l'amélioration de l'identification et de l'orientation des donneurs d'organes décédés (ID&R ­Identification and referral) et sur la responsabilité du système de santé. Les participants ont reçu à l'avance des documents basés sur des données probantes qui abordaient l'audit des décès, les facteurs cliniques identifiants, la législation requise pour l'orientation, l'éthique, les cheminements cliniques et les normes de dons. Au cours de la conférence, les présentations d'experts et des résumés de l'information de fond préparés par le Comité de pilotage ont alimenté les discussions de groupe sur les questions préparées. Les thèmes de la conférence étaient les suivants : 1) attentes des donneurs potentiels, des receveurs et de leurs familles; 2) identification et orientation des donneurs : points de vue cliniques et légaux; 3) amélioration de la responsabilité : lacunes et solutions; et 4) amélioration de la responsabilité : organisations de la qualité/sécurité. RéSULTATS: Trente-sept énoncés de consensus ont été générés. Au niveau des professionnels de santé, les principaux énoncés sont les suivants : 1) que le don soit constamment abordé dans le cadre des soins de fin de vie, mais seulement après avoir pris la décision d'arrêter les traitements de maintien de vie; 2) les professionnels de santé ont le savoir-faire pour identifier et orienter les donneurs potentiels; et 3) les candidats à la transplantation doivent être informés des lignes directrices locales sur les attributions et sa performance. Au niveau du système de soins de santé, les principaux énoncés sont les suivants : 1) l'adoption au niveau national de critères cliniques déclenchant l'identification et l'orientation des donneurs; 2) des ressources dédiées aux activités d'appariement des dons, y compris au transfert des donneurs potentiels; 3) des mesures de performance par des audits des décès; 4) la déclaration et des investigations sur les opportunités de dons manqués; 5) la reconnaissance des plus performants; et 6) l'identification et l'orientation manquées de donneurs doivent être considérées comme un incident évitable et critique. CONCLUSION: Nos énoncés de consensus établissent les responsabilités des professionnels de santé et du système de soins pour ce qui concerne l'identification et l'orientation des donneurs potentiels d'organes; ils incluent le suivi, l'analyse et l'élimination des dons manqués via une vérification des causes de décès dans tout le système. Une fois mis en œuvre, ces énoncés de consensus contribueront à honorer les souhaits des patients en matière de dons, améliorer les services apportés aux receveurs potentiels de greffes et soutenir les professionnels de santé dans l'accomplissement de leurs obligations éthiques et légales. Les étapes suivantes incluront la mise en œuvre, l'évaluation de leur impact sur les taux de dons et la recherche de nouvelles cibles basées sur des données probantes pour améliorer le système.

Development of a Canadian deceased donation education program for health professionals: a needs assessment survey.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this survey was to determine how Canadian healthcare professionals perceive their deficiencies and educational requirements related to organ and tissue donation. METHODS: We surveyed 641 intensive care unit (ICU) physicians, 1,349 ICU nurses, 1,561 emergency room (ER) physicians, and 1,873 ER nurses. The survey was distributed by the national organization for each profession (the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians, the Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses, and the National Emergency Nurses Association). Canadian Blood Services developed the critical care physician list in collaboration with the Canadian Critical Care Society. Survey development included questions related to comfort with, and knowledge of, key competencies in organ and tissue donation. RESULTS: Eight hundred thirty-one (15.3%) of a possible 5,424 respondents participated in the survey. Over 50% of respondents rated the following topics as highly important: knowledge of general organ and tissue donation, neurological determination of death, donation after cardiac death, and medical-legal donation issues. High competency comfort levels ranged from 14.7-50.9% for ICU nurses and 8.0-34.6% for ER nurses. Competency comfort levels were higher for ICU physicians (67.5-85.6%) than for ER physicians who rated all competencies lower. Respondents identified a need for a curriculum on national organ donation and preferred e-learning as the method of education. CONCLUSIONS: Both ICU nurses and ER practitioners expressed low comfort levels with their competencies regarding organ donation. Intensive care unit physicians had a much higher level of comfort; however, the majority of these respondents were specialty trained and working in academic centres with active donation and transplant programs. A national organ donation curriculum is needed.