Using social media to find live organ donors for patients in need
Official title: Dissemination of the Donor Application: Utilizing Social Media to Identify Potential Live Organ Donors
Run by Johns Hopkins University · NCT03803423 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 6 sites (San Diego, California and 5 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 27, 2017 |
| Main results expected | November 27, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 27, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | November 10, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT03803423 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting -
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 -
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.