Needs for a paediatric organ and tissue donation protocol; an overview of the literature

A. Vileito, M.J. Siebelink, A.A.E. Verhagen

Friday 16 march 2018

10:20 - 10:25h at Willem Burger Foyer

Categories: Donation, Session (poster)

Parallel session: Poster session 9: Donation

Introduction

Paediatric donation is a unique and extremely sensitive process that requires specific knowledge and competencies. Most countries make use of a specific donation protocols for organ and tissue donation to ensure optimal care for the donor and the family during and after the donation process. The Netherlands has a donation protocol, mainly focusing on the adult situation. However, for children differs from adults in many ways. A paediatric donation protocol could improve the management of paediatric donation procedures.

Aim

The aim of this research was to gain insight into the literature on paediatric donation protocols, to analyse their similarities and differences and identify important themes.

Methods

We searched for publications on organ and tissue donation protocols, specific to children and neonates. Screening was performed on data such as protocol, policy description or recommendations for a protocol.

Results

A total of 13 publications were included in literature overview. Most articles were from North America and only a few were from Europe. Most of the articles discussed only Donation after Cardiac Death protocols. The recurring themes in the literature : Identification of potential donors; parental approach; collaboration with the organ procurement organization; palliative care, informed consent; declaration of death and staff education. 7 of 13 publications call for standardisation of paediatric donation policies.

Conclusions

Publications on paediatric donation protocols are very scarce. Despite the call for standardisation of paediatric donation policies by international experts, no national paediatric donation protocol was found. We identified several recurring themes in the literature that can be used for the development of such a protocol.