Modify Lung Donor Data Collection

At a glance

Background

In March 2023, lung allocation policy changed to follow a new framework called Continuous Distribution. Since Continuous Distribution was implemented, lung transplant programs are receiving more organ offers for donor lungs. To help with this increase in organ offers, the Lung Transplantation Committee is proposing adding additional donor information that should help lung programs when deciding whether to accept an organ.

Supporting media

Presentation

View presentation

Proposed changes

Add a field to collect donor peak inspiratory pressure (PIP)
Update donor data collection related to smoking history
- Change cigarette use field to be more specific and document how often the donor smoked, rather than just pack years
- Add fields to document vaping history and marijuana history
Modify the diagnostic test status field to allow an OPO to indicate if testing is complete, pending, or unable to be done
Add a field to collect acceptable donor predicted Total Lung Capacity (pTLC) range

Anticipated impact

What it's expected to do
- Improve lung allocation efficiency
  - Provide transplant programs with more detailed information on donors
  - Help transplant programs review and make decisions on lung offers faster
- Remove requirement for OPO staff to manually calculate pack years for cigarette smoking

What it won't do
- Will not change how lung candidates are prioritized for organ offers

Terms to know

Peak Inspiratory Pressure (PIP): The highest level of pressure applied to the lungs during inhalation.
Predicted Total Lung Capacity (pTLC): The estimated maximum amount of air a person’s lungs can hold based on their height, sex, and age.