Data Harmonization on Transplantation Activities and Outcomes

Overview

The intention of this report is to provide an overview of the issues discussed and conclusions as a result of the Data Harmonization on Transplantation Activities and Outcomes: Editorial Group for a Global Glossary Meeting, which was organized by WHO in collaboration with The Transplantation Society and the Spanish Organization of Transplants.

The collection of data and information in the Global Database on Donation and Transplantation (GDDT) is being made possible by using a unified global questionnaire. Nevertheless there was a need to work as well for the unification of terms and basic definitions on donation and transplantation and create a global glossary. This glossary would have an impact on the collection and analysis of data, which would improve the results.

As part of the harmonization process to prepare a global glossary, this meeting had the aim of achieving consensus on basic definitions on donation and transplantation.

A document was prepared, including an extensive revision of definitions, coming from different but recognized sources, which was used as a baseline document.

The meeting group, called the Editorial Group, had the opportunity to review some terms and definitions and achieve consensus on them. During the sessions, there were some definitions which led to deep discussions, especially those with ethical and legal connotations, such as living and deceased donor, consent, legally non-competent person, trafficking and transplant tourism. Some of them were revised again after the meeting and even if agreed, they were modified after further consultation.

The definitions agreed during the meeting are presented in the body of this report with some comments whenever necessary. At the end of the meeting it was clear that more work had to be done. The attached document of this report presents all proposed definitions after revision and further consultation by the Editorial Group.