Knowledge Exchange Program to Increase the Organ Donation Rates in Saudi Arabia

Area of Science:

• Transplantation science
• Public health initiatives
• Healthcare quality improvement

Background:

• Deceased organ donation rates remain a global challenge.
• Saudi Arabia launched a collaborative program in 2017 to address this issue.
• The program integrated training and quality management systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-phase program designed to enhance deceased organ donation in Saudi Arabia.
• To assess the impact of key performance indicators and continuous improvement plans.
• To identify optimal strategies for increasing organ donation rates.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a comprehensive training program and quality management system.
• Phased approach involving pilot programs and application of a 3-level methodology in hospitals.
• Establishment of key performance indicators and a continuous improvement framework.
• Creation of dedicated in-hospital organ donation units.

Main Results:

• A 198% increase in potential donor detection and a 44% increase in donation rates during the pilot phase.
• A 40% increase in utilized organ donors in the second phase across selected hospitals.
• In-hospital organ donation units demonstrated the most significant positive impact.

Conclusions:

• Collaborative programs integrating training and quality management are effective in improving deceased organ donation.
• Continuous training and robust quality management are crucial for optimizing organ donation outcomes.
• The establishment of specialized in-hospital units is a key factor in maximizing organ donor utilization.