Strategies to increase Tissue Donor Procurement: Exploring the Potential of Donor Reporting App. (Preprint)

Abstract

The research sheds light on the challenges and causes of donor shortage, addressing critical issues such as lack of awareness, inadequate financing, and not efficient recognition of potential tissue donors. The study's findings demonstrate the successful development and implementation of a donor reporting app that streamlines the reporting process, reduces paperwork, facilitates communication, and collects valuable data for analysis. The article's emphasis on collaborative efforts, including public awareness campaigns, collaborations with healthcare professionals, education initiatives, and streamlined registration processes, aligns with the importance of a multidirectional approach to address the corneal donor shortage. By integrating technology and leveraging the capabilities of donor reporting apps, the gap between the demand and supply of corneal tissues can be bridged, ultimately saving and improving the lives of countless individuals in need of corneal transplantation.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the potential of a donor reporting app in enhancing the tissue donation process, specifically focusing on corneal donors. Conclusions: The study concluded that donor reporting apps offer promising solutions to enhance tissue donor procurement. The app streamlined the reporting process, reduced paperwork, facilitated communication, and collected valuable data for analysis. Collaborative efforts, including public awareness campaigns, collaborations with healthcare professionals, education initiatives, and streamlined registration processes, are crucial in bridging the gap between the demand and supply of corneal tissues.

Methods: The researchers conducted a literature review to understand the challenges and causes of donor shortage. Stakeholder interviews were conducted to assess healthcare professionals' attitudes towards the potential app. User feedback was collected through questionnaires, surveys, and interviews to assess the app's effectiveness.

Results: The final version of the app successfully reported 24 real cornea donors, and 64 app users provided feedback. Most participants found the app easy to use and expressed willingness to use it in the future. The automatic notification feature and integration of necessary documents received positive ratings. Users emphasized the importance of seamless integration with hospital systems and consistent data collection and reporting methods.

Conclusions: The study concluded that donor reporting apps offer promising solutions to enhance tissue donor procurement. The app streamlined the reporting process, reduced paperwork, facilitated communication, and collected valuable data for analysis. Collaborative efforts, including public awareness campaigns, collaborations with healthcare professionals, education initiatives, and streamlined registration processes, are crucial in bridging the gap between the demand and supply of corneal tissues.

Ethics approval was obtained from the Medical University of Silesia Institutional Review Board. Our research study request was evaluated and approved, and it was signed on 04.08.2022 in Katowice by the Head of the Medical University of Silesia Institutional Review Board, without specific number.