Donation quality standard
The Donation Quality Standard is the legal framework for discussing registration in the Donor Register with next of kin.
Why this standard?
When the Donor Act was introduced in the Senate, the Nooren motion was passed. It called for a national standard. The goal was uniform care for next of kin and a clear division of roles between doctors and surviving relatives during the donation conversation. All doctors are required to adhere to this quality standard.
Legal framework
Since the new law, the following applies:
- Everyone who does not actively register themselves is listed in the Donor Register with a 'no objection' registration.
- The possibility for next of kin to demonstrate that a 'yes' or 'no objection' registration does not correspond with the patient's wishes as they were known to the next of kin.
- The possibility of donation for those lacking legal capacity.
What does it contain?
The standard describes, among other things, how doctors can inform next of kin about the registration. It also states which next of kin have decision-making authority and what to do in cases of legal incapacity or children.
These topics are also included in the Model Protocol:
- Decision-making authority: Model Protocol (4.7)
- Legal incapacity: Model Protocol (3.3)
- Children under 18: Child as donor protocol
Qualitative research
Sanne van Oosterhout (IQ healthcare Radboudumc) conducted qualitative research into the implementation of the quality standard.
- Interview with Sanne: How does the Quality Standard work in practice?
- Response from intensivist Farid Abdo: What can doctors do with the advice?