Investigating Geographic Variation in Mortality in the Context of Organ Donation

Organ procurement organizations (OPOs) report a nearly fourfold difference in donor availability as measured by eligible deaths per million population (PMP) based on hospital referrals. We analyzed whether mortality data help explain geographic variation in organ supply as measured by the number of eligible deaths for organ donation. Using the 2007 National Center for Health Statistics’ mortality data, we analyzed deaths occurring in acute care hospitals, aged ≤ 70 years from cerebrovascular accidents and trauma. These deaths were mapped at the county level and compared to eligible deaths reported by OPOs. In 2007, there were 2 428 343 deaths reported in the United States with 42 339 in‐hospital deaths ≤ 70 years from cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) or trauma that were correlated with eligible deaths PMP (r2= 0.79.) Analysis revealed a broad range in the death rate across OPOs: trauma deaths: 44–118 PMP; deaths from CVA: 34–118 PMP; and combined CVA and trauma: 91–229 PMP. Mortality data demonstrate that deaths by neurologic criteria of people who are likely to be suitable deceased donors are not evenly distributed across the nation. These deaths are correlated with eligible deaths for organ donation. Regional availability of organs is affected by deaths which should be accounted for in the organ allocation system. US mortality data from 2001–2007 for patients < 70 years, dying in acute‐care hospitals from cerebrovascular accident or traumatic cause, are mapped by county to the appropriate Organ Procurement Organization to assess geographic differences in death rates, with the analysis showing substantial differences across the United States.