Program interventions to build access to living donor transplantation.

Area of Science:

• Transplantation Medicine
• Organ Donation
• Nephrology
• Hepatology

Background:

• Living donor transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and end-stage liver disease (ESLD).
• Benefits for recipients include enhanced graft survival and reduced waiting times compared to deceased donation.
• A strong living donor program benefits transplant centers through consistent case volumes and reduced reliance on policy changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline actionable initiatives for transplant programs to increase living donor evaluations and surgeries.
• To optimize living donor transplantation within existing legal and policy frameworks.
• To enhance the capacity of transplant centers to serve patients with end-stage organ disease.

Main Methods:

• Review of best practices and peer-reviewed data for living donor transplantation.
• Identification of strategies to increase living donor volume.
• Analysis of current landscape and areas for innovation in living donation.

Main Results:

• Culturally competent education and outreach are key to increasing donor volume.
• Developing living donor champion programs and utilizing financial assistance programs are effective.
• Expanding paired donor exchange and adapting evidence-based selection criteria improve outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the current state of living donor transplantation is crucial.
• Exploring innovative approaches is essential for centers to meet patient needs.
• Continuous improvement in living donor programs ensures comprehensive care for end-stage organ disease patients.