Good Patient Care

While a patient is being evaluated for donor suitability, the focus should remain on continuing good patient care.

Physicians, nurses, and other hospital staff are encouraged to follow best practices for end-of-life care, including hospice and palliative care. Creating a supportive environment for patients and families as they cope with death and grief is crucial.  Organ and tissue donation plays a part in that conversation, and, when introduced appropriately, can help facilitate the grieving process. The role of the Organ Procurement Coordinator (OPC) is to serve as the designated person to discuss organ and tissue donation with the family. The OPC has a presence and a role in the end-of-life care team at your hospital. They are the experts at discussing donation and work with the hospital through the end-of-life process.

The role of the Organ Procurement Coordinator (OPC) is to serve as the designated person to discuss organ and tissue donation with the family.