An analysis of the quality indicators of the organ donation process in São Paulo, Brazil

Background Few studies have investigated whether quality initiatives in the process of organ donation yield better results of the organ donation process. Objective To analyze whether the indicators of the organ donation process in Brazilian hospitals meet the standards established by the Organ Donation European Quality System (ODEQUS). Design We evaluated the quality of the organ donation in a selected group of Brazilian hospitals served by the Nucleus of Organ Procurement (NOP) using standards of the ODEQUS. Results Structural and process indicators had 100% conformity. Indicators of results showed a family consent rate of 61% (29% lower than ODEQUS goal); a conversion rate of potential donors to effective donors of 47% (28% below the goal); and a 12% rate of sudden cardiac arrest (higher than the quality limit). Conclusions Our findings highlight the importance for the development of quality initiatives in identifying gaps and weaknesses in the process that should be corrected or even restructured, therefore maximizing the number of donors and organs transplanted. Hospitals that participate in the NOP process met 61% of the quality indicators proposed by ODEQUS. Identification of potential donors, family consent, conversion, and sudden cardiac arrest rates are areas that did not conform to ODEQUS standard and revealed a great opportunity for improvement.