Donor referral from outside the intensive care unit: A multidisciplinary cooperation model using communication apps and redefining refereal criteria

Abstract Objective We evaluate the impact of a web-based collaborative system on the referral of possible organ donors from outside of the intensive care unit (ICU). Study design Cohort prospective study. Settings University hospital. Patients and intervention In 2015 a virtual collaborative system using a cross-platform instant messaging application replaced the previous 2014 protocol for the referral of patients outside of the ICU with a severe brain injury in whom all treatment options were deemed futile by the attending team to the donor coordination (DC). Once the DC evaluated the medical suitability and likelihood of progression to brain death (BD), the option of intensive care to facilitate organ donation (ICOD) was offered to the patient's relatives. This included admission to the ICU and elective non-therapeutic ventilation (ENTV), where appropriate. Results A two-fold increase of referrals was noted in 2015 [ n  = 46/74; (62%)] compared to 2014 [ n  = 13/40; (32%)]; p p p Conclusion The implementation of a virtual community doubled the number of patients whose families were presented with the option of donation prior to their death.