Dedicated OPOs Initiate Quality Improvements: AOPO Leading the Way

In the organ donation and transplantation field, continuous improvement is not just a goal but a necessity. It’s this philosophy that drives the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) to spearhead the transformative OPO IMPACT (Improvement in Action) Program. This initiative, launched in 2022, marks a significant shift in how the Association and member Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) approach performance improvement. Moving beyond just process improvement, the IMPACT Program addresses the core of OPO operations, ensuring tangible, life-saving outcomes. Let’s explore the details of this data-driven program and how you can get involved.

Understanding the IMPACT Program: A Three-Phase Approach

Phase 1: Discovery

The center of the IMPACT Program lies in the pursuit of discovery. OPOs initiate their journey by applying for the program. The IMPACT Committee engages with programs and identifies a timeline, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort. Through a SWOT analysis and a Health Check Questionnaire, OPOs establish a baseline assessment. Illuminating strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) and evaluating OPO operations, donation drivers, donation systems, and transplant acceptance, this groundwork becomes the foundation upon which impactful changes are built.

Phase 2: Advisory

The Advisory phase represents a harmonious blend of expertise and collaboration. An IMPACT Advisory Team – comprised of IMPACT Committee members and subject matter experts – reviews the intricacies and current practices of the participating OPO. Through in-depth interviews and comprehensive analyses, the team identifies key areas for improvement and briefs the OPO on their findings. These interactions uncover quick fixes and pave the way for robust recommendations, ensuring a holistic approach to improvement.

Phase 3: Implement & Monitor

The culmination of efforts concludes in the Implement & Monitor phase. Armed with a comprehensive IMPACT report, OPOs receive tailored recommendations to enhance their operations. Along with the report, supporting tools and documents focusing on improvement areas are shared. Using the recommendations and supporting information, OPOs implement organizational changes, with the Advisory team offering continuous support. Through quarterly check-ins, progress is tracked, ensuring that the implemented initiatives yield tangible results.

Driving Positive Change: How Can You Get Involved?

1. 1. IMPACT Program Application: If your OPO is ready to implement performance improvement initiatives, consider applying for the IMPACT Program. The application process is your gateway to advancing efficiencies and increasing organ donation and transplantation rates. Accepted OPOs will begin their journey in 2024.
  2. Subject Matter Experts (SME) Application: Are you an expert in the field? Your knowledge is invaluable. Consider becoming an SME, lending your expertise to shape the future of organ donation and transplantation.
  3. Webinar: Engage with the AOPO IMPACT Committee by joining our exclusive webinar on Wednesday, October 25th, at 3:00 pm ET. This event promises insights into the program’s features, key performance indicators, and improvement in action. Register now!

The IMPACT Program stands as a testament to AOPO’s commitment to ushering in an era of unparalleled excellence in organ donation and transplantation. Through collaboration, expertise, and knowledge sharing, this program serves to advance the mission of OPOs and save more lives.

Please reach out to us if you have any questions about the IMPACT Program.

Thank you,