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All course offerings provide ABTC continuing education credit
(Ask us to customize your curriculum!)
Struck by Change!
the evolution of Donation & transplantation...
In this course, we explore the history of organ donation and transplantation. We discuss key concepts and issues that influence our practice… from the enactment and evolution of the UAGA, to the advances in technology that define our culture.
Why This Course? Participants of this course will learn the history of transplantation in a manner that will help them conceptualize and adapt to the rapid evolution of our industry.
Finding "Zen" at work
Safeguarding emotional health...
In this course, we explore the impact of prolonged exposure to secondary trauma and grief on mental and emotional health and well being. Although inherently rewarding, coordinating the recovery of organs for transplantation is highly stressful. Many coordinators who have made career commitments to working with OPOs take medications to help manage chronic anxiety, depression, and/or insomnia. This course addresses the importance of recognizing secondary trauma, identifying support resources, and constructing the foundation for a resilient workforce.
Why This Course? Participants of this course will understand the mental and emotional risks of repeated exposure to traumatic situations, recognize personal stress-burden indicators, and implement self-care to optimize resiliency.
The Donor Family Assessment...
In this course, we explore the cultural, spiritual and socioeconomic factors that influence how families process grief, explore the importance of assessing family dynamics on a daily basis, and documenting those findings. While patients have a treatment course, families experience a course of adjustment. Assessing how a family is experiencing and processing grief over time offers valuable preparatory insight for donation conversations.
Why This Course? Participants of this course will understand the importance of optimizing outcomes through the routine assessment of family grief, support structure, social and cultural influences, and coping mechanisms.
“We” vs “Them”
Interdepartmental Health...
In this course, we assess interdepartmental health and its impact on morale. Due to evolving expectations, many OPOs are diversifying responsibilities… a step that mitigates risk but often creates a “WE vs THEM” mentality. In this course we explore the health of interdepartmental relationships.
Why This Course? Participants of this course will learn various departmental roles and responsibilities, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies for successful collaboration.
Staff Burnout and Employee Retention...
In this course, we explore factors that influence burnout and retention. The spiritual and physical nature of our work offers unique opportunities to develop our strengths. Conversely, our vulnerabilities and weaknesses are frequently exposed. This course focuses on self awareness and the toxic impact of negativity on cultural health.
Why This Course? Participants of this course will explore the fundamental social behaviors that impact others, understand self-awareness, identify strategies for coping with frustration, and develop healthy communication techniques.
conflict resolution,
crucial conversation and
critical listening Skills...
In this course, we explore effective communication through crucial conversation techniques and critical listening skills. When we disagree with something someone says or does, do we discuss it with them? Or… are we inclined to discuss it with others? Does our body language speak the words we don’t say out load? Together, we address all of these questions and assess the impact of ineffective communication on organizational health.
Why This Course? Participants of this course will be able to identify their communication style, understand the impact of destructive patterns, recognize triggers, and establish a framework for improvement.
Transparent Operations,
a close look at Expectations and compliance regulations...
In this course, we explore the oversight of regulatory agencies in meeting operational objectives. We cover CMS standards for participation, the new Executive Order and Proposed Rule issued last year, as well as the importance of understanding the SRTR report and it’s application in day to day operations.
Why This Course? Participants of this course will understand the operational regulations that impact OPO operations and the importance of individual accountability in successfully achieving organizational objectives.
Don't Miss it!
Detail oriented referral evaluation...
In this course, we explore the “Assessment Mapping” technique which establishes a format for thorough referral evaluations that focuses on applying critical thinking skills to chart reviews through pyramid planning. By using (y1) students learn to start with “WHY”, then apply the critical thinking mapping technique to identify critical information that impact organ systems.
Why This Course? Participants of this course will learn how to apply the “Assessment Mapping” strategy during referral evaluation and followup which minimizes the potential for patient safety issues caused by careless oversight.
IgG, IgM, Surface and Core... what is all this testing for? comprehensively understanding Infectious Disease...
In this course, we expolore the critical role that Infectious Disease Testing plays in, both ensuring the safety of immunosuppressed transplant recipients, as well as targeted allocation practices. A thorough understanding of various testing modalities and the implication of those results is a critical component of our job. In this course, we use engaging and strategic instructional techniques to simplify complicated content.
Why This Course? Participants of this course will gain critical knowledge of infectious disease testing and its implication in clinical practice and mitigate patient safety risk factors.
HLA, UA, CPRA... what is all this anyway? tissue typing...
In this course, we explore the critical role that tissue typing plays in organ allocation and targeted placement. Many clinical coordinators know what tissue typing is, but do not understand its many implications in efficient allocation and patient safety. Whether it’s antigens, antibodies, virtual cross-matching, zero missmatch, or CPRA… this course covers it all.
Why This Course? Participants of this course will gain a comprehensive understanding of tissue typing and its application in efficient allocation and patient safety.
SLOW YOUR ROLL!
Safety DOs and Don’ts of DCDs…
In this course, we explore how to effectively manage DCDs. DCDs are a dreaded source of anxiety for many coordinators. That angst stems from the fact that there is little we can do to control the process… Right? WRONG… despite the limitations that DCDs present, everything needed for a successful outcome is within our CONTROL. In this course, we teach the “Assessment Mapping” approach to critical thinking which establishes a universal process for safe and well managed DCD processes… regardless of urgency
Why This Course? Participants of this course will develop skills for managing anxiety, prioritizing critical tasks, and effectively managing the DCD process in a manner that will optimize outcomes, ensure compliance, and protect patient safety.
the factors and influences that affect
Brain Death Testing...
In this course, we explore the common challenges we face when a patient meets criteria for brain death testing, but the Intensivist refuses to declare… Worse yet, the patient doesn’t meet criteria for testing, but the Physician is determined to proceed anyway. These situations are common, they threaten the integrity of our work, as well as a healthy transitions to donation discussions. This course focuses on identifying key factors that influence those situations, then implement strategies to create diplomatic solutions that will strengthen relationships.
Why This Course? Participants of this course will gain critical knowledge about controversial influences that often impact the “I Will’s” and “I Will Not’s” of brain death testing such as socioeconomic factors, family belief systems, ICU activity and access to resources, etc. Students will learn to recognize those factors and optimize donor potential through diplomatic interaction and proactive conflict resolution.
Measuring Up!!!
comprehensive allocation strategies...
In this course, we explore the new Executive Order on Advancing American Kidney Health and how the initiative will impact our industry in 2022. We introduce strategies for optimizing allocation to help OPOs maximize transplant potential and ultimately realize compliance objectives. How often have you said, or heard… “NOBODY is taking these lungs! How far do I have to allocate?” The Match Run is merely a tool to ensure a just and fair system… ALLOCATION, on the other hand, requires knowledge and hard work.
Why This Course? Participants of this course will learn how to optimize transplant potential by learning about transplant program diversity (demographics, local competition, volume, acuity vs exception registrations, and performance metrics). They will learn how to utilize the SRTR data report for strategic and targeted allocation, gain a thorough knowledge of CMS oversight, and understand the operational impact of associated outcome metrics.
Better Late than never?
Referral Timing expectations...
In this course, we explore the factors that influence timely referrals, what constitutes a timely referral (the gray areas), the impact of untimely referrals on operations, and how to use positive reinforcement and diplomacy to educate hospital partners and influence change.
Why This Course? Participants of this course will understand WHY referral timing is monitored and reinforced by OPOs, learn the ramifications of untimely referrals on hospital partners, and learn tactics and skills for diplomatic interactions that will positively influence change.
Breaking down barriers!
understanding the other side...
In this course, we address the complex relationship that exists between OPOs and Transplant Programs, the subsequent “Push” and “Pull” that affects productivity, and explore the process for referral, evaluation, listing, notification, pre-transplant workup, and the post-transplant care of transplant candidates. Additionally, they will learn the CMS policies that regulate transplant programs and impact the way they practice.
Why This Course? Participants of this course will gain key knowledge about transplant operations and regulations. Understanding half of what we do is unacceptable. Through comprehensive understanding, we can establish trusting relationships and support one another in our mutual mission to save lives.
