Organ donation - critical care perspective

The new law, which saw England change to an opt-out system alongside Wales and Jersey, means that people in England are now considered as willing to donate, unless they have opted out, are in one of the excluded groups or have told their family they don't want to donate.

The law change is an opportunity to save and improve even more lives.

Organ donation pathway: the critical care perspective

This presentation uses available best practice guidance to reinforce the important considerations when caring for potential organ donors and their families and signposts to helpful resources.

In particular is information relating to the bedside nurse checklist for organ donation and considerations for identification and referral of potential organ donors. Information is also provided on the importance of planning and communication when breaking bad news, and seamlessly transitioning into the donation conversation - aligned to the families' readiness.

Further resources

• Human Tissues Authority. Code of Practice F: Donation of solid organs and tissue for transplantation.
• NHS Blood and Transplant (2019). Identification and referral of potential organ donors.
• NHS Blood and Transplant (2015). Approaching the families of potential organ donors: best practice guidance.
• NHS Blood and Transplant (2014). Timely identification and referral of potential organ donors. A strategy for implementation of best practice.
• NICE Guideline [CG135]. Organ donation for transplantation: improving donor identification and consent rates for deceased organ donation.

Watch the other presentations

This blog and presentation is one of a three-part education webinar series on opt out organ donation.