Perceived Versus Verified Cancer History and Missed Opportunities for Donation in an Australian Cohort of Potential Deceased Solid Organ Donors

Abstract

Background. There is an imperative to maximize donation opportunities given ongoing organ shortages, but donor suitability assessments can be challenging. Methods. We analyzed an Australian cohort of potential deceased donors 2010 to 2013 to explore misclassification of cancer risk and potential strategies for improvement (decision support, real-time data linkage to existing data sets, and increasing risk tolerance). Cancer history perceived at referral was compared with verified cancer history in linked health records. Transmission risks were based on clinical guidelines. Potential donors declined due to cancer but verified low risk were missed opportunities; those accepted but verified high risk were excess-risk donors. Results. Among 472 potentially suitable donor referrals, 132 (28%) were declined because of perceived transmission risk and 340 (72%) donated. Assuming a low-risk threshold, there were 38/132 (29%) missed opportunities and 5/340 (1%) excess-risk donors. With decision support, there would have been 5 (13%) fewer missed opportunities and 2 (40%) more excess-risk donors; with real-time data linkage, 6 (16%) fewer missed opportunities and 2 (40%) fewer excess-risk donors; and with increased risk tolerance, 6 (16%) fewer missed opportunities and 11 (220%) more excess-risk donors. Conclusions. Potential donors’ cancer history is typically incomplete at referral. There are missed opportunities where decision support or more accurate cancer history could safely increase organ donors.