Organization of a clinical transplant unit: general guidelines

A successful transplantation program depends not only on surgical expertise and experience but also on a variety of related factors. Careful planning of patient care areas, selection of dedicated and competent staff, and the incorporation of training programs are essential preliminaries. Provision of specialized equipment and drugs, the development of satisfactory communications, and the production of protocols for staff and patients are necessary before operations begin. The transplant coordinator is the keystone of the function of the unit, and the role encompasses recipient selection and education, transplant and procurement coordination, maintenance of patient records and flow sheets, and liaison between transplant team, external physicians, and procurement agencies. Few other areas of clinical endeavor require such a degree of interdisciplinary cooperation, but few are so rewarding.