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Evaluating a successful coroner protocol
1Colorado Organ Recovery Systems, Inc, Denver, USA.
Journal of Transplant Coordination : Official Publication of the North American Transplant Coordinators Organization (NATCO)
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Implementing a formal protocol significantly reduced coroner case denials for organ donation. This led to higher organ release rates, especially for traumatic injuries, improving donation potential.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Public Health
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Coroner involvement can be a barrier to organ procurement.
- Formal protocols may improve organ donation rates from challenging cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a formal protocol on coroner release rates for organ donation.
- To assess changes in organ donation denial rates before and after protocol implementation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of coroner cases over three years (1991-1993).
- Comparison of organ release rates before, during, and after adopting a formal coroner protocol.
Main Results:
- Coroner case denials for organ donation decreased from 40% in 1991 to 16% in 1993.
- Denial rates for homicidal gunshot wounds dropped from 67% to 8%.
- Denial rates for nonaccidental trauma cases decreased significantly after protocol implementation.
Conclusions:
- A formal protocol for coroner cases substantially improves organ release rates.
- Further education can potentially further reduce coroner denial rates.
- Protocol implementation is crucial for maximizing organ donation potential.