[The role of the the transplant coordinator].

Abstract

All hospitals that are defined as organ donation hospitals according to the Social Act V (SGB V), are legally bound to employ a transplant coordinator (TxB). The field of activities of the TxB includes not only the identification of donors, the diagnosis of irreversible loss of brain function, donor evaluation and organ protection but also the support of the complete organ donation process. The TxB is responsible for the establishment of in-house hospital standards as well as the organization of advanced and continuing education and is the contact person for all aspects of organ donation. Furthermore, the TxB acts as a link between the coordination center (German Organ Procurement Organization) and the allocation organisation (Eurotransplant). The activities are subject to the Transplantation Act and its implementation statutes; however, the TxB also needs corresponding knowledge of the various guidelines on organ donation and transplantation. Finally, the TxB is also responsible for the quality assurance of the organ donation process.