Abstract: PO2070
Defining the Living Donor Transplant Evaluation Process for Optimization of a One-Day Evaluation Program
Session Information
- Transplantation: Clinical - Allocation, Evaluation, Prognosis, and Viral Onslaughts
November 04, 2021 | Location: On-Demand, Virtual Only
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Transplantation
- 1902 Transplantation: Clinical
Authors
- Noel, Ariana, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Knoll, Greg A., University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Bugeja, Ann, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Background
Living donor transplantation provides patients with end stage kidney disease increased longevity and quality of life compared with dialysis. The donor evaluation process can be inefficient and costly for patients and the healthcare system. There is a paucity of research on evaluation optimization in living kidney transplantation. We investigated our living donor evaluation process to develop a one-day program, improving program efficiency.
Methods
Living donor staff and patient partner from The Ottawa Hospital Living Kidney Donor program participated in individual, semi-structured interviews to develop a Lucidchart process map of the donor evaluation process and ascertain the time associated with each step. A one-day evaluation program model was developed based on our process map and interview participant feedback. Amount of time for each step of the process was collected for future cost assessment.
Results
Mean time to complete the evaluation process and reach donor approval is 9 months. The donor evaluation process can be divided into 3 phases: Initial Interview, Phase I, and Phase II. Phase I requires the most nursing and administrative time. The greatest barriers to process efficiency are 24-hour urine collections to estimate kidney function and coordinator time spent on correspondence with laboratories. A one-day evaluation will reduce the evaluation process and approval to approximately 4 weeks. Greatest barriers for patients included need for increased education and time off work. Next steps will include cost estimates of the current program with the goal of implementing a one-day evaluation program at The Ottawa Hospital.
Conclusion
A one-day evaluation program will increase the efficiency of the living donor process for donors, coordinators, and recipients. Phase I investigations are a barrier to program efficiency and can be streamlined with a one-day evaluation. The development of donor educational resources will improve the donation experience for patients.