The NJ Sharing Network Organ and Tissue Donation as an End of Life option for Families

The NJ Sharing Network Organ and Tissue Donation as an End of Life option for Families

NJ Sharing Network Private non-profit service organization Federal designation to provide recovery services State licensed Available 24 hours/7 days a week Arrange for the recovery of all organs, tissues and eyes.

Did you know..(as of 8/08) Close to 100,000 people are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant! Everyday an average of 18 people die waiting. Every 13 minutes another name is added to the national transplant waiting list. 1 organ donor can save up to 8 lives. A single tissue donor can dramatically improve the lives of 50-60 people.

Two Types of Donors Tissue donors: Any Death Organ Donors: Patients in which death is due to neurological catastrophe and are on ventilator support. It is the responsibility of the Sharing Network to determine suitability.

Tissue Donation: The Referral CALL: 1-8001 800-541-0075 For Potential Tissue Donors call in all deaths Within 1 hour of any death (regardless of age or diagnosis) Prior to any mention of donation to the family Prior to releasing body to Funeral home ** Clearly document that the referral was made (date, time and Sharing Network employee you spoke to) and outcome of referral in the patient s chart**

Tissue Donation (50-60 potential recipients) Bone - orthopedic surgeries such as spinal, knee replacements, hip revisions and dental procedures. Soft tissue for sport injuries such as Achilles tendon replacement Corneas restores sight Heart valves used for heart valve replacement surgery Blood vessels for bypass surgery Skin used for wound and burn grafting

Organ Donation: The Referral CALL: 1-8001 800-541-0075 Glasgow Coma Scale 5 or less Absence of 2 or more brain stem reflexes Cough/Gag Pupillary response to light Corneal reflex Response to pain AND/OR Prior to termination of life support, while organs are still viable If family is considering end-of-life options: DNR, de-escalating of care Prior to any mention of donation to family

Organ Donation One organ donor can save up to 8 lives 2 Kidneys Liver Heart 2 Lungs Pancreas Bowel

Your Role as a Nurse Identify and refer all patients meeting the clinical triggers to the network in a timely manner (ideally within 1 hour) for potential organ donation. Refer ALL DEATHS regardless of age or diagnosis for potential tissue donation (ideally within 1 hour of any death). Assist with the management of organ donors in collaboration with NJ Sharing Network (When caring for a potential organ donor you are simultaneously caring for up to 8 critically ill patients) Support family

How to Make a Referral (Sharing Network is HIPAA Exempt) Call 1-800-541-0075 (24/7) You will be asked the following: Demographics such as age, race, sex Cause of death or impending death, neurological status of potential organ donors A brief history of current hospitalization Brief past medical history Information about the family On potential organ donors: current vital signs and treatment protocols

Donor Evaluation Initial Information On site response by Transplant Coordinator Determine Donor Suitability Testing Medical and Social History

Using Sensitivity and Discretion when Sharing Network is involved The Sharing Network may be involved in a potential donation case for evaluation purposes for many days before it is appropriate for an approach to be made to the family. An early or inappropriate mention about donation or the Sharing Networks involvement could be devastating to a family who is not ready to face those decisions or who have not accepted the gravity of the situation. All staff must use sensitivity and discretion when the Sharing Network is involved in any potential donor. Any approach for donation must be made in collaboration with the Sharing Network.

What leads to Consent? **Family understands that their loved one has died** Appropriate timing of the request Clear explanation of brain death Family feels supported *All approaches for donation must be made in collaboration with the Sharing Network*

Organ Sharing All recipients listed with UNOS (united network of organ sharing national database) Match run lists from donor information Local centers get greatest priority 6 transplant centers in NJ

Organ Recovery Is done in your OR, with your scrub nurse, circulator and anesthesiologist Teams travel to your hospital from all over Recovery is done by transplant surgeons Takes between 2 and 5 hours We assist with post mortem care

Donation and Transplantation Process Organ Viability From Recovery to Transplant Heart 4-6 Hours Liver 12-18 Hours Kidney 48 Hours Heart-Lung 4-6 Hours Lung 2-4 Hours Pancreas 12-18 Hours

Families give the gift of life... if only we give them the opportunity. New Jersey Organ & Tissue Sharing Network

What Can You Do to Make a Difference? Legally Declare Your Intent to be an Organ Donor Share Your Decision With Family and Friends