In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Maureen A. Madden, DNP, RN, CPNP-AC, CCRN, FCCM, speaks with James R. Rodrigue, PhD, FAST, and Richard D. Hasz, MS, about their article, “Racial Equity in Family Approach for Patients Medically Suitable for Deceased Organ Donation,” published in the December 2024 issue of Critical Care Medicine.
The study found racial equity in organ procurement organization (OPO) family approach among patients who were medically eligible for organ donation. Dr. Rodrigue and Mr. Hasz explain that previous studies showing racial disparity in family approach were based on 25- to 30-year-old data. The changes in organ donation systems since then were what motivated Dr. Rodrigue and Mr. Hasz to conduct new research.
Their findings highlight the positive impact of standardized OPO practices on equitable access to organ donation opportunities. Dr. Rodrigue and Mr. Hasz emphasize the importance of timely referral, family-centered communication, and coordination between hospital teams and OPOs in facilitating donation conversations during emotionally charged moments. These practices complement advances in technology and expanded donor eligibility criteria to make more donations possible. Integrating organ donation information into driver education programs and expanding registration opportunities to settings such as voter registration can also help increase awareness and informed consent, especially among young people.
Resources referenced in this episode:
- Racial Equity in Family Approach for Patients Medically Suitable for Deceased Organ Donation (Rodrigue JR, et al. Crit Care Med. 2024;52:1877-1884).
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.