Journal of transplant coordination : official publication of the North American Transplant Coordinators Organization (NATCO)
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This study is part of a developing statewide campaign to increase donation in the black community. Focus groups were conducted to validate information obtained from a market research firm's telephone survey. Among those surveyed, 86.6% indicated they were in favor of donation; 13.4% indicated they were not. ⋯ When asked where they would expect to learn about donation, respondents overwhelmingly chose the medical community. Respondents also listed cultural sensitivity as a criterion for choosing who would handle the donation request. A campaign to address identified issues has been developed and will be implemented statewide.
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The organ donor referral rates at Ben Taub General Hospital, a level 1 county trauma facility in Houston, Tex, were in the high 90s from 1993 through 1996. However, organs were procured from only 25% of those potential donors who were medically suitable. LifeGift Organ Donation Center identified two issues concerning the hospital's organ donor referrals: early medical management problems and a low consent rate. ⋯ In fiscal year 1996, 39 organ donors were recovered. The in-house coordinators' consent rate was 72% of medically suitable potential donors. Early referrals for evaluation contributed to these successes.