Using social media to find live organ donors for patients in need
Dissemination of the Donor Application: Utilizing Social Media to Identify Potential Live Organ Donors
This study is testing if using social media to share stories can help patients waiting for organ transplants find live donors more easily.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 6 sites (San Diego, California and 5 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT03803423 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to address the challenges faced by patients on the organ transplant waitlist in identifying potential live donors. By utilizing a web-based application called the 'Donor App', participants can share their stories on social media platforms to raise awareness about their need for a living donor. The approach focuses on overcoming barriers such as lack of education and reluctance to discuss live donation. The hypothesis is that increased visibility through social media will facilitate connections between transplant candidates and potential donors, ultimately improving the chances of finding a live donor.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are on the kidney-only or liver-only transplant waiting list.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 18, not on the transplant waiting list, or on multiple organ transplant waiting lists may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly increase the number of live organ donors available for patients with end-stage renal and liver diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of social media in healthcare is gaining traction, this specific approach to identifying live organ donors through a dedicated application is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * At least 18 years of age * On the kidney-only or liver-only transplant waiting list at a collaborating center Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than 18 years of age * Not on the kidney or liver transplant waiting list * On multiple organ transplant waiting lists
Where this trial is running
San Diego, California and 5 other locations
- Scripps Green Hospital — San Diego, California, United States (Enrolling_by_invitation)
- Yale University — New Haven, Connecticut, United States (Enrolling_by_invitation)
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Maine Medical Center — Portland, Maine, United States (Enrolling_by_invitation)
- The Johns Hopkins Hospital — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
- Washington University in St. Louis — St Louis, Missouri, United States (Enrolling_by_invitation)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Andrew Cameron, MD PhD — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Andrew Cameron, MD PhD
- Email: donorapp@jhu.edu
- Phone: 4432870134
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.