For Improving Transplant Access, Collaboration Holds the Key

The persistent organ shortage and inequitable access to transplants have long been significant challenges in the medical community. However, a recent collaboration between Leidos and CareDx offers a glimmer of hope in addressing these critical issues. By combining their expertise in technology, health systems, and innovative transplant solutions, these two industry leaders aim to drive transformative changes in the organ transplantation process.

Leidos, a leading industry and technology innovator, and CareDx, a pioneer in transplant solutions, have joined forces to modernize the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). Their collaboration seeks to enhance every stage of the pre- and post-transplant journey, with a focus on improving performance, governance, and efficiency in organ transplantation. This multi-layered initiative is supported by a $235 million contract awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration.

The collaboration between Leidos and CareDx represents a significant step towards building a more resilient and effective organ transplant system. By leveraging their combined expertise, they aim to expand access to transplants, improve patient outcomes, and support the continued success of key OPTN functions. This joint effort focuses on three key areas: waitlist management, organ-offer acceptance, and care coordination. By addressing these critical aspects of the transplant process, Leidos and CareDx hope to drive meaningful improvements in transplant access and efficiency.

One of the primary goals of this collaboration is to increase transplantation, particularly with a focus on utilizing moderate-to-high (50-100%) Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) kidneys. Preliminary findings from the Collaborative Improvement and Innovation Network (COIIN) project, which supports collaboration and improvement in transplant hospitals and partner organ procurement organizations, suggest that an improvement approach that supports collaborative improvement can be effective in driving improvement. The COIIN project has shown increases in transplant rates and the utilization of moderate-to-high KDPI kidneys in many participating organizations.

To achieve these goals, Leidos and CareDx will develop a change package of key interventions for the three key areas mentioned earlier. Additionally, they will employ a balanced scorecard approach using outcome, process, and relationship measures to drive improvement effectively. This comprehensive strategy aims to address the persistent organ shortage and improve transplant access by fostering collaboration, targeting specific areas for improvement, and utilizing a balanced scorecard approach.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Leidos and CareDx holds great promise for improving transplant access and efficiency. By combining their expertise and focusing on key areas of the transplant process, they aim to drive meaningful changes that benefit patients, families, and healthcare providers alike. As the demand for organ transplants continues to grow, this collaborative effort represents a critical step towards building a more resilient and effective organ transplant system.