The role of transplant coordinator in transplantation medicine – European experience and models

Abstract:

Organ transplantation represents the best treatment option for patients with end-stage organ disease. The main limiting factor for transplantation is organ shortage. A transplant coordinator plays an important role in a transplant program. A donor detection is the starting point of transplant process. However, turning potential organ donors into actual donors is a complex process, which consists of several steps. The duty of transplant coordinator is to make this process smooth and successful. In addition to detecting a donor, a transplant coordinator is responsible for diagnosis of brain death, donor evaluation, family interview, donor maintenance, organisation of organ extraction and coordination of surgical teams. Introduction of specialized transplant coordinators into transplant teams is considered to have had a revolutionary impact on organ donation development and transplant program in general. 

Key words:
donor selection; organ transplantation; tissue and organ procurement