Population Profile Submitted to Cardiac Transplantation in a Brazilian Hospital: Comparison Involving the Registry of ISHLT

Abstract

Between January and June 2015, the project provided CME-accredited education about organ donation for physician office staff in 122 randomized participating clinics across Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. This included online and in-person training (lunch and learns) to over 1,500 PCP office staff participants as well as PCP office kits that included tabletop posters, brochures and office forms which included a survey and designation form. Results: Over 21,000 patient-completed organ donation survey forms were collected. About half of all participants were already registered organ donors. 764 (8.1%) completed the designation form and became registered organ donors upon receiving information from this pilot project. Due to the program's success, both Organ Procurement Organizations in Pennsylvania (CORE and Gift of Life) have committed to funding the program as a statewide initiative, to be launched in January 2016. Conclusion: Unique initiatives like the PSL project can help create awareness amongst people regarding the critical value of organ donation.