Accreditation Canada has new standards for organ and tissue donation and transplant (OTDT). Created with the input of a diverse group of health care professionals and organizations from across the country, the standards were developed for health professionals working in a variety of organizations. The standards cover the full continuum, from donor identification through to transplant and follow-up care.
Three New Sets of Standards
An advisory committee with national representation guided the development of the three new sets of standards for living donors, deceased donors, and transplant services. Standards development included pilot testing at sites across Canada, focus group discussions with experts in the field, and web-based national consultation on the standards and performance measures to gain feedback from a wide range of experts and individuals delivering OTDT services
In addition to the new standards, Accreditation Canada’s Emergency Department Services and Critical Care Services standards were enhanced to incorporate key donation components.
Donation Standards
Two sets of Donation Standards were developed for acute care organizations with a donation or procurement team that provides organ and tissue donation services - Deceased Donor Standards and Living Donor Standards. Both sets are now available.
Transplant Standards
The Transplant Standards were designed for acute care organizations that provide transplant services. Standards cover the transplant continuum from caring for recipients prior to surgery through their long term follow-up care. The Transplant Standards are now available.
Key Components of the Standards
Living Donor
• Guiding potential living donors through the informed decision-making process
• Assessing the medical and psychosocial suitability of potential living donors
• Performing living donation procedures safely and effectively
• Caring for living donors following organ recovery
Deceased Donor
• Assessing the suitability of donors in a consistent and sensitive manner
• Recovering organs and tissues safely and effectively
• Caring for families following donation
Transplant
• Supporting and investing in organ and tissue transplantation services
• Engaging prepared and proactive staff
• Selecting donation recipients in an equitable and transparent manner
• Providing safe and effective transplant services
• Monitoring quality and achieving positive outcomes