Why families refuse organ donation at Strasbourg University Hospital (2024–2025)
Characterization of Opposition to Organ Donation at Strasbourg University Hospital in 2024-2025
This project will try to find out why relatives refuse organ donation for people who are brain dead or who have life support withdrawn in the Strasbourg ICU.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Strasbourg, France Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Strasbourg) |
| Trial ID | NCT07345975 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational project will review cases of brain death and planned withdrawal of life‑sustaining treatment (Maastricht 3) at Strasbourg University Hospital during 2024–2025, focusing on conversations with relatives and whether an organ procurement coordinator was present. Investigators will record instances of family opposition, compare reported opposition to any documented wishes of the deceased, and capture contextual factors from the initial donation interview. Cases without available relatives or without procurement coordination are excluded. The aim is to identify modifiable reasons for the higher-than-expected refusal rate to inform practices that could increase donation rates.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Patients who are declared brain dead or undergoing planned withdrawal of active treatment (Maastricht 3) at Strasbourg University Hospital, with relatives available for discussion and organ procurement coordination present, are eligible.
Not a fit: People who die without available relatives or in settings where organ procurement coordination was not present are not included and are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help reduce family refusals and increase the number of available transplants for people on the waiting list.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observational work on family refusal and opt‑out systems exists and targeted measures such as trained requesters and public campaigns have reduced refusal rates in some regions, though outcomes vary by local context.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients who are brain dead and/or eligible for a Maastricht 3 protocol (discontinuation of active treatment with death due to circulatory arrest in intensive care) * Hospitalized in the intensive care unit of the Strasbourg University Hospital or transferable to the Strasbourg University Hospital for multi-organ removal (anticipated approach) * Existence of relatives with whom discussion is possible * Presence of organ procurement coordination at the initial donation interview Exclusion Criteria: * Absence of relatives of the deceased (no interview with them) * Absence of organ procurement coordination during the initial discussion with relatives regarding organ and tissue procurement
Where this trial is running
Strasbourg
- Service d'Anesthésie, Réanimation et Médecine Périopératoire - CHU de Strasbourg - France — Strasbourg, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Charlotte POUSSARDIN, MD
- Email: charlotte.poussardin@chru-strasbourg.fr
- Phone: 33 3.69.55.16.21
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.