The Role of the Organ Donor Transplant Co-Ordinator and the Emergence of Specialist Nurses- Organ Donation, in the United Kingdom.

AIMS: To explore the role that Donor Transplant Co-ordinators have played, and the future potential of Specialist Nurses for Organ Donation (SN-ODs), within organ donation strategies in the UK and other countries.

BACKGROUND: Organ donation and transplantation rates vary extensively around the world. However, there is a universal shortage of deceased donors, prompting different approaches to increase transplantation rates. Within the UK the Clinical Lead for Organ Donation and Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation undertake a key role in the implementation of the Organ Donation Strategy. The Human Transplantation (Wales) Act 2015 is a recent development which facilities a deemed (presumed) consent approach to organ donation, the Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation undertakes a major role identifying the potential donor in this situation by confirming the deemed consent status of the donor and supporting bereaved relatives. UK governments in England and Scotland are currently seeking legislative changes to an opt-out system of organ donation, in line with the Wales change.

DESIGN: This discursive paper explores the role from Donor Transplant Co-ordinator to Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation (SN-OD) within organ donation policy in different settings, but with a specific focus on the UK. The paper clarifies the current and future potential of nurses working with bereaved families when requesting authorisation for donation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The current scope and future potential of Donor Transplant Co-ordinator and Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation roles needs better recognition. Little empirical data exists about the key role that these nurses play in the organ donation process, especially in relation to gaining authorisation to proceed to donation.

CONCLUSION: There is a need to clarify the role of the Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation and their impact on improving rates of organ donation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.