Regional Variation in Pediatric Deceased Organ Donation Consent Rates Is Costing Lives.

Abstract

* Abbreviations: CQI — : continuous quality improvement OPO — : organ procurement organization In this issue of Pediatrics , Godown et al1 present compelling data revealing wide variation in pediatric deceased organ donor consent rates among organ procurement organizations (OPOs), shining a spotlight on an important problem that effects both pediatric lives and health disparities. In the face of a declining number of pediatric deceased organ donors, variation in the successful consent of eligible donors is further exacerbating the current donor organ shortage. This well-designed study serves as a “call to arms” for OPO collaboration to optimize pediatric donor recruitment and save lives. In this retrospective cohort study, using data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients between 2008 and 2019, the authors1 found that 4.1% of families of eligible pediatric donors were not approached to request consent for organ donation. Wide variation existed between OPOs, such that, whereas at least one OPO approached 100% of families to request consent, another approached only 87.4% of families. Wide variability … Address correspondence to Michael J. Englesbe, MD, FACS, UH S Floor 6, Transplant Surgery, Michigan Medicine, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. Email: englesbe{at}med.umich.edu