The OPO's Role

In this lesson, you will learn how the Organ Procurement Organization works alongside hospital teams throughout the donation process. We will clarify the OPO’s responsibilities for evaluating donation potential, supporting families, and coordinating donation-related activities. You will explore when and how hospital staff should communicate important clinical updates to the OPO. You will also learn how clearly defined roles support collaboration, protect the family’s experience, and promote compassionate patient care.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Explain the purpose and primary responsibilities of the local Organ Procurement Organization.

• Distinguish between the responsibilities of the hospital care team and those of the OPO.

• Describe how the OPO evaluates a referred patient for donation potential.

• Identify the clinical information and updates the OPO may request from hospital staff.

• Explain how the OPO collaborates with physicians, nurses, social workers, case managers, and other hospital professionals.

• Describe the OPO’s role in coordinating donation-related conversations with patients’ families.

• Explain how OPO staff provide information, guidance, and compassionate support to families.

• Recognize that the hospital care team remains responsible for the patient’s medical care and end-of-life decisions.

• Identify when hospital staff should contact or provide additional updates to the OPO.

• Describe how clear communication and defined responsibilities strengthen the hospital-OPO partnership.

• Explain how respectful collaboration supports patients, families, hospital staff, and the donation process.