Baylor offers patients a tool that can increase their opportunity to find a living donor

For many patients on the kidney and liver transplant wait lists, it can be years before a suitable organ from a deceased donor becomes available. An online platform designed by the Baylor Scott & White Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute is giving patients a creative tool to help them find a living donor. Living donor transplant can shorten the wait for a transplant, as well as improve the chances of a successful outcome.

This tool guides Baylor Scott & White patients through a series of questions about their experience of living with end-stage kidney or liver disease, their need for a transplant and how a living donor transplant could change their life. The patient can also upload two pictures of themselves and/or family. Once approved by the transplant team, patients are sent a link to a personal webpage that describes their need for a transplant. This link can be shared on social media or emailed to their friends and family.

The patient’s webpage includes links to education about living donation, including what the evaluation process looks like, and a link for anyone who is interested in living donation to begin the screening process. At this time, this tool is only available to patients who have undergone transplant evaluation at Baylor Scott & White hospitals in Dallas and Fort Worth.

“We know some patients may not be comfortable talking about their disease and/or asking people to donate,” says Marissa Dunlap, BSN, RN, pre-kidney transplant educator, BSW Simmons Transplant Institute. “We want to help patients be proactive in finding a donor by making it easier for others know about their need.”

The Patient Stories form will walk patients through how to share their story about why they need a transplant and how a living donor could help.