Increase in organ donation rate in a Swedish region after implementing a new angle of approach

In the Swedish Västra Götaland region (1.65 million inhabitants), we have implemented, as from January 1, 2006, a new concept to improve the organ donation rate, which in 2005 was 13.9 per million population (PMP). There are two cornerstones in the project: a new, active role for the transplant coordinators and the establishment of a uniform policy for the care of potential donors as well as criteria for the decision to offer intensive care in various critical conditions. The coordinator is now contacted at an early stage and is in place when the brain death diagnosis is underway or completed. The coordinator is thereafter a resource for all aspects of the care of the potential donor/donor, and also in the contact with the relatives. To date (May 2006) the donation rate has reached 23.6 PMP annually (a 70% increase).