This digest is an opportunity to reflect on and acknowledge our collective efforts to improve the OTDT system for the benefit of all Canadians. Please share with your colleagues and invite them to subscribe. You may unsubscribe at anytime. Send contributions, comments and suggestions to otdt@blood.ca
BRiC study project update
In the national Burnout and Resilience in Organ Donation Coordinators (BRiC) study, we are implementing an innovative way to investigate and improve the work-related wellbeing of Canadian Organ and Tissue Donation Coordinators through early identification and intervention of work-related issues (e.g., burnout and compassion fatigue). The goal is to support the well-being and the retention of skilled, trained OTDCs, and optimize organ donation among organ donation organizations (ODOs).
Colleagues, ambassadors and representatives from across the Commonwealth have come together to create a Commonwealth Tribute To Life video. The passing of the heart symbolizes us all working together to help to save and transform more lives.
The Commonwealth Tribute to Life initiative, launched in March, aims to boost levels of organ and tissue donation and transplantation globally. The project aims to champion three main concepts: the value of organ and tissue donation and transplantation in saving and transforming lives; the need to ensure safe and ethical practice; and the benefits that can be shared by all Commonwealth nations through learning and sharing solutions with each other about the common challenges faced. Read more about this initiative here.
Tribute to Life was recognized as part of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK on July 22. Visit the Commonwealth Tribute to Life project webpage for more information and resources.
UHN Living Donation Week 2022: Sept 11-17
Mark your calendars and join us in raising awareness about the power of living organ donation!
Get Involved
Plans for Living Donation Week include a Celebration Event, Finding a Living Donor Webinar, Light Up Green Campaign, Professional Development, Pitch Competition and much more. You can also register to participate in the week of activities and learn how you and your organization can participate here.
Pitch Competition
Submission for the Living Donation Week 2022 Pitch Competition are now open! If you have a great idea, all you have to do is record a pitch and submit. Deadline: August 17. Learn more here.
Education Matters: The Orgamites
"The Orgamites truly live up to their promise... the program is a surprising but welcome resource for teachers all over."
Help us spread the word about the teacher and parent resources that are now available. Share and follow the Orgamites in Canada on Facebook and Instagram. Want to help to grow our teacher champion network? Send us an email at OTDT@blood.ca.
Congratulations, Dr. Nickerson!
Congratulations to Canadian Blood Services' medical advisor Dr. Peter Nickerson, who has been appointed dean of the Rady Faculty of Health Science and dean of the Max Rady College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba.
Read more about Dr. Nickerson's accomplishments in the field of organ transplantation, and his appointment to dean, here.
In the news...
The UK is reporting that the number of families agreeing to organ donations has dipped for first time in years
Even though the law around organ donation has now changed to a deemed consent system across England, Scotland and Wales, family members will still always be consulted before organ donation goes ahead. Families were far more likely to support donation when they already knew it was what their relative wanted. More than 92% of families honoured their family member when the donor had either proactively registered their decision to donate on the NHS Organ Donor Register or spoken with their family.
Canadian Blood Services' Research Ethics Board is seeking a volunteer law member. The ideal candidate will contribute to the Research Ethics Board on the legal aspects of biomedical research, medical ethics and privacy and data issue. Know someone who might be interested? More information is available here on Canadian Blood Services' website.
Professional Education Website Update
The Organs and Tissues professional education website hosts professional development materials like the Canadian Clinical Guide to Organ Donation curriculum, leading practice reports and links to peer reviewed publications, system progress data dashboards, clinical tools and more. We are committed to ensuring that our publications are accessible to people living with disabilities. To ensure this site meets accessibility standards, an improvement project is underway. As a result some older materials have been archived and are now available upon request. New materials will be made available in multiple formats and comply with accessibility standards. If you have questions or are seeking a report that has been archived, please contact our team at OTDT@blood.ca
