Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Background: To increase organ donation rates the nature and impact of complex factors need to be understood. Some factors are well known and might not be modifiable (contra-indications for transplant, age limit of organ donor, etc.), but others (collaboration and relationships) that contribute to variations among similar hospitals in the same province, are poorly understood. Therefore, the overall aim of this research is to understand the nature and impact of relationships within the organizational context of organ donation programs in Ontario. Methods: This study will investigate the interactions of health professionals in relation to the organ donation processes and the influence of these interactions on outcomes of organ donation programs in Ontario (Social Network Analysis); the influence of organizational attributes and processes of organ donation programs, and individual collaboration on organ donation performance among Ontario hospitals (multiple case-study); and will compare the similarities and differences of the influence of social networks and organizational attributes on the performance of organ donation programs among Ontario hospitals (network comparison). Study sites will include at least five trauma centre hospitals partners of the Ontario's Organ Procurement Organization. Expectations/impact of the study findings: Identifying the characteristics of effective collaboration and communication patterns during the organ donation process will allow for the development of interventions within hospitals to facilitate better performance outcomes. Improvements within organ donation programs are important for all involved in organ donation, including patients and families, and health care providers.