A Comparison of Request Process and Outcomes in Donation After Cardiac Death and Donation After Brain Death: Results From a National Study

Available literature points to healthcare providers’ discomfort with donation after cardiac death (DCD) and their perception of the public's reluctance toward the procedure. Using a national sample, we report on the communication content of actual DCD and donation after brain death (DBD) approaches by organ procurement organization (OPO) requesters and compare family decision makers’ (FDMs’) experiences of both modalities. We recruited 1,601 FDMs using a validated protocol; 347 (21.7%) were of potential DCD donors. Semi-structured telephone interviews yielded FDMs’ sociodemographic data, predisposition toward donation, assessment of approach, final outcomes, and substantiating reasons. Initial analysis consisted of bivariate analyses. Multilevel mixture models compared groups representing authorization outcome and DCD/DBD status. No significant differences in family authorization were found between DCD and DBD cases. Statistically significant associations were found between sociodemographic characteristics and authorization, with White FDMs more likely to authorize DCD or DBD than Black FDMs. FDMs of both modalities had similar evaluations of requester skills, topics discussed, satisfaction, and reasons for refusal. The findings suggest that the DCD/DBD distinction may not be notable to families. We recommend the use of similar communication skills and strategies during approaches and the development of education campaigns about the public's acceptance of DCD. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.