DCD: clinical tools and resources

The resources below are to support organ donation organization staff and health care professionals caring for potential DCD donors.

DCD brochures for families

The brochure for families provides an overview of the DCD process, including consent, donation suitability, and organ recovery. It highlights what organs and tissues can be donated and who can be helped through the gift of organ and tissue donation. The handout may assist health care professionals explain the complex logistics and medical aspects of DCD.

The brochure was reviewed to ensure it meets the literacy level of a wide audience, and is also available for both pediatric and adult populations. It is also available in French.

Donation After Circulatory Determination of Death (DCD) - English
Le don d'organes après un dècés circulatoire (DCD) - (en français)

Pediatric Organ Donation After Circulatory Determination of Death (pDCD) - English
Don d'organes après un dècés circulatoire d'un enfant (DDCp) - (en français)

DCD clincal checklists / Liste de contrôle clinique

The DCD clinical checklist is a tool for organ donation organization staff and health care professionals caring for potential DCD donors. Divided into seven sections – Identification and Referral, Donation Discussion and Obtaining Consent, Donation Suitability and Intervention, Recovery Logistics, Withdrawal of Life Sustaining Measures, Death Determination and Organ Recovery, and Post Organ Recovery Considerations, the DCD clinical checklist outlines key components in each step of the DCD process.

The clinical checklist is also available for both pediatric and adult populations, in French and English.

Donation After Circulatory Determination of Death (DCD) - English
Don après un dècés circulatoire (DCD) - (en français)

Pediatric Donation After Circulatory Determination of Death (pDCD) - English
Don après un dècés circulatoire en milieu pédiatrique (DDCp) - (en français)

Organ donation after circulatory death (DCD) e-learning module now available

The Canadian Clinical Guide to Organ Donation is an essential curriculum for health professionals that enhances competencies in the identification and care of potential deceased donors and their families. It is a free self-directed, interactive, online e-learning course.