Organ Donation Program Wins National Award

Hundreds of Nova Scotians are living longer, fuller lives as a result of donated organs and tissues. During the last four years, the number of donations has jumped by 300 per cent in the province, thanks to the efforts of a group of health-care providers.

Nova Scotia's organ and tissue donation team, made up of health professionals from around the province, developed the Innovation in Donation project. That team was recently recognized by 3M Canada for its innovative project, which has focused on influencing donation rates in Nova Scotia.

"Some of our greatest health-care challenges can be addressed with innovation and education," said Health Minister Angus MacIsaac. "I would like to acknowledge Capital Health for providing good leadership; Dr. Stephen Beed for his commitment to organ and tissue donation and to this program; and to the health-care providers in every district health authority for broaching this important discussion with Nova Scotia families. These individuals have given some patients a second chance at life."

The team was awarded the national 3M Health Care Quality Team Award (Non Acute Setting), and was selected from among 38 submissions. Led by Dr. Beed and including members from Capital Health, other district health authorities, and the Department of Health, the project team received the award and a cash prize of $7,500 at the awards ceremony on June 4 in Saint John, N.B.

Dr. Beed attributed the success of the project to the commitment and dedication of his team. "The success of the Innovation in Donation Project has come from the willingness of health-care providers throughout Nova Scotia to see organ and tissue donation as an area we can change together," he said. "Our results are benefiting the health and quality of life of our patients -- people who could be our own friends, neighbours or even family members."

The organ and tissue donation program was started in 2001 by a group of front-line health professionals. That group set out to discover why organ and tissue donation referral rates were so low at Capital Health and around the province. After talking to people involved in the process, the team developed solutions that would result in more families being offered the option of organ and tissue donation as part of quality end-of-life care. A provincial needs assessment of critical care and emergency staff found that staff felt the issue was very important, but they lacked the knowledge and skills needed to approach families.

The donation team developed a variety of strategies including a train-the-trainer approach, and the development of a workshop, Companioning Donor Families, which has been held throughout the province. The efforts have resulted in 125 people from all district health authorities being trained in the donation process, giving them the skills needed to approach families about donation.

The team was able to increase the number of donation consultations with families during end-of-life care from 40 per cent to 100 per cent, which resulted in the donation rate increase.

That project led to the development of the provincial program now funded by the Department of Health and administered through Capital Health.

"This is a wonderful example where building staff capacity directly enhances patient and family care, and highlights the commitment to quality that our physicians and staff exhibit on a daily basis," said Kathleen Graham, vice president of acute care for Capital Health. "The results mean that many more families are being offered and accepting the option of organ and tissue donation as a tribute to their loved one, as well as the most generous gift anyone can give to someone who needs organ transplantation."

The Canadian College of Health Service Executives and 3M Health Care launched the 3M Health Care Quality Team Award in 1994 to encourage and recognize innovation in health services by linking two important concepts -- quality and teams.