Talking with Families about Donation

The role of the organ procurement coordinator is to approach family about donation.  

When this is done in collaboration with the end-of-life care team, the stress on the families experiencing bereavement is minimized. The role of the hospital is to provide the best patient care and end-of-life care, and, when the patient has been declared dead, to hand off the conversation to the OPC. When the OPC is seen as part of the team, this conversation can provide an important transition for families that are coping with loss. It is important to keep the role of the OPC clear so that the hospital staff can maintain their focus on the best patient care and palliation at the end of life.  

 

The role of the hospital is to provide the best patient care and end-of-life cares, and, when the patient has been declared dead, allow the OPC to begin the discussion about organ donation with the family.