Effectiveness and efficiency of teleimaging in the transplantation process: a mixed method protocol

Auteurs : Kevin Zarca, Jean-Claude K. Dupont, Lorène Jacoud, Julie Bulsei, Olivier Huot, Hélène Logerot & Isabelle Durand-Zaleski

Article publié dans : BMC Health Serv Res 19, September 2019, 672

Date de parution : 2019

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-4488-0

Abstract 

Background

The transplantation process usually takes place without transplant teams being able to use imaging data to assess graft quality. The decision of whether to go get the graft or not is therefore limited and suboptimal. “Cristal images” is a teleimaging project allowing real-time visualization of images of the organs of the donor. The objective of our study is to assess whether the use of a secure teleimaging can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the procurement and transplantation processes.

Methods

We will use the exhaustive national registry of organ allocation and transplantation, and compare outcomes before the deployment of “Cristal images” (years 2015–2016) and after it becomes operational (years 2018–2019) for heart, lung, liver and kidney transplant in a before-after study, combined with a preference elicitation study. The primary endpoint will be the number of successful organ transplantations. Secondary endpoints will be related to the efficiency of the transplant process (decision making, transportation, cost) and a preference elicitation study will determine the relative preferences of transplant teams towards few “Cristal images”’ components or potential developments, which are yet to be determined through a qualitative analysis based on interviews with professionals.

Discussion

This study will provide stakeholders data on the efficiency of real-time visualization for transplant teams and identify the levers likely to influence the technology use among these teams.

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Publié le 26 septembre 2019