Organ Utilization Coordinator

The Organ Utilization Coordinator (OUC) is accountable for overseeing all activities related to the allocation and utilization of organs procured from donors. This multifaceted role includes managing the organ allocation processes for transplantation and for research, surgical team and operating room (OR) scheduling, arranging logistical aspects of organ recovery, facilitating communication among stakeholders, and ensuring thorough organ evaluation and documentation of clinical information.  

The Organ Utilization Coordinator ensures transparent communication with transplant programs, coordinates organ transportation logistics, and collaborates with stakeholders to optimize organ utilization outcomes while upholding regulatory compliance. This position plays a crucial role in optimizing organ utilization and fostering collaboration among stakeholders in the organ donation and transplantation process.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Clinical Responsibilities

• Analyzes clinical information and provides data-driven guidance to Organ Donation Services (ODS) regarding organ suitability.
• Serves as the organ allocation expert and provides critical thinking and decision-making regarding allocation strategy to prevent organ loss.
• Communicates pertinent donor information transparently to transplant programs to safeguard patient safety and maximize organ utilization.
• Allocates abdominal organs in accordance with organizational policies and national regulations, serving as the primary source of donor information throughout the allocation and procurement process.
• Coordinates research allocation and collaborates with ODS and recovery teams to promote research recovery. 
• Arranges ground and air transportation for recovery teams and oversees proper chain of custody for organs, developing case-specific transportation strategies to minimize ischemia time.
• Dispatches Surgical Recovery staff for organ recovery activities and proactively identifies and addresses barriers to organ utilization.
• Collaborates with stakeholders to mitigate risks to organ utilization and escalates high-risk situations as needed.
• Authorizes financial agreements regarding waivers and logistics with transplant centers as necessary to optimize organ utilization.  
• Maintains in-depth knowledge of Organ Procurement & Transplant Network (OPTN) policy and provides guidance to the ODS team to ensure compliance.
• Contributes to case reviews and process improvement programs with the goal of increasing organ utilization.

Collaborative Responsibilities

• Collaborates with transplant partners, ODS and other organ recovery teams to facilitate successful transplant outcomes.
• Regularly attends department meetings.
• Partners with quality assurance, training, and process improvement to enhance OUC team effectiveness and efficiency.
• Assists other staff as appropriate in all aspects of the allocation process and strategies to improve the utilization outcomes.

Supervision

• This position has no formal supervisory responsibilities.

Other Responsibilities

• Ensures timely and accurate completion of donor chart review including closure of Potential Transplant Recipient (PTR) reports and other chart related activities.