The conceptualization phase focused on identifying measure concepts by drawing on existing work in the field. A rapid, iterative environmental scan was conducted—beginning with a literature review and extending through site visits, stakeholder interviews, patient and family conversations, and public comment. Site visits included a cross-section of organizations varying by geography, population served, organizational type, and performance tier under current CMS measures.
In the specification phase, these insights allowed us to narrow the measure candidates and develop specifications around numerator, dominator, data sources, and calculations. This work was carried out through concurrent meetings of a Technical Expert Panel (TEP) and an OPO Stakeholder Group, both of which will continue to meet throughout the project. Together, these bodies reviewed the existing measurement landscape, supported development of a universal logic model, developed a set of measure criteria, and shaped final measure candidates for testing.
See the measures page for additional information on measure criteria and submissions.
Logic Model for OPOs Infographic
The Logic Model for OPOs traces the flow from inputs through the strategic and operational activities of OPOs to the short- and long-term outputs and overall outcomes of the donation process, providing a shared reference point for developing meaningful performance measures.
The Complex Ecosystem of Organ Procurement Video
This video introduces the complex ecosystem in which OPOs operate, illustrating how donor hospitals, transplant centers, donor registries, transportation providers, federal and state regulators, and community partners all work together to support the organ donation process.
Lived Experience, Real Impact: Donor Families and Recipients Share Insights About the Organ Donation System
This two-pager highlights findings from interviews with donor families and transplant recipients, capturing firsthand perspectives on their experiences with the organ donation process. Their insights help inform the development of performance measures that reflect what matters most to the people at the heart of donation and transplantation.
Where the Mission Lives: OPO Leaders and Staff Share Insights on Organ Donation, Operations, Challenges, and the Path to Better Measures
This two-pager shares findings from site visits conducted with OPOs across the country, offering a closer look at their day-to-day operations, challenges, and approaches to the donation process. These observations provide essential context for shaping performance measures that reflect the realities of OPO work.
Questions?
Reach out to opomeasurements@econometricainc.com
Organ Procurement Organizations Advance Project Improving Performance Measurement and Accountability to Save Lives
PUBLIC STATEMENT Media Contact:Jenny Daigle | jdaigle@aopo.org Organ Procurement Organizations Advance Project Improving Performance Measurement and Accountability to Save Lives McLean, VA (May 5, 2026) – Today, the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations...
AOPO Outlines Key Recommendations to Strengthen Accountability and Safeguard the Future of Organ Donation
PUBLIC STATEMENT Media Contact:Jenny Daigle | jdaigle@aopo.org AOPO Outlines Key Recommendations to Strengthen Accountabilityand Safeguard the Future of Organ Donation McLean, VA (April 10, 2026) – On March 30, the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO)...
OPO Validated Measures Development Public Comment Opportunity
Media Contact:Jenny Daigle | jdaigle@aopo.org OPO Validated Measures Development Public Comment Opportunity BETHESDA, Md., (May 27, 2025) /PRNewswire/ — Econometrica, Inc., a management and analytics consulting organization, today announced a public comment period to...
OPOs Launch Project to Redefine Performance Evaluation Measures
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information:Jenny Daigle | jdaigle@aopo.org OPOs Launch Project to Redefine Performance Evaluation Measures McLean, VA (March 12, 2025) – The Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) is proud to announce the launch of an...