Organ Donation European Quality System: ODEQUS project methodology

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Public Health
• Transplantation Medicine

Background:

• Organ donor numbers vary significantly between hospitals, suggesting factors beyond patient volume or ICU bed availability influence donation rates.
• The efficiency and organizational structure of the organ donation process are critical determinants of procurement performance.
• Existing methods for evaluating organ procurement are insufficient, necessitating a standardized approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define a methodology for evaluating organ procurement performance at the hospital level.
• To identify quality criteria and develop quality indicators for three types of organ donation: after brain death, after cardiac death, and living donation.
• To create tools for hospital self-assessment and an international auditing model for organ donation.

Main Methods:

• The Organ Donation European Quality System (ODEQUS) project involved a consortium of 14 associated and 5 collaborating partners across Europe.
• A three-step methodology was employed: a survey on quality tool usage, development of quality criteria and indicators (focusing on organizational structures, clinical procedures, outcomes), and elaboration of an evaluation system.
• Training was provided on developing and utilizing quality criteria, indicators, and evaluation tools.

Main Results:

• The project identified 131 quality criteria and developed 31 quality indicators for organ donation.
• These quality indicators are currently undergoing testing in 11 selected European hospitals.
• The developed tools aim to facilitate self-assessment and auditing of organ procurement performance.

Conclusions:

• The ODEQUS project provides a robust framework for evaluating organ procurement performance.
• The developed quality indicators and criteria offer a standardized approach to improving organ donation processes across European hospitals.
• Implementation of these tools is expected to enhance organ donation rates through improved organizational efficiency and standardized practices.