Role of the Transplant Coordinator

Abstract

The transplant coordinator plays a pivotal role in the care of patients during all phases of the transplant process: pre-transplant evaluation, waitlist management, transplant admission, and discharge/ posttransplant follow-up. The ability to perform this role is dependent upon organizational and critical thinking skills, utilization of evidenced-based practice methods, and the most recent research, as well as interpersonal skills to work with patients, families, and their support systems, transplant team members, and referring providers. Liver transplant coordinators are well versed in medical and surgical management. Medical management of patients with end-stage liver disease includes dealing with symptoms, managing medication side effects, and maintaining the appropriate waitlist status. The surgical management of posttransplant patients incorporates medication management and not only immediate postoper-ative issues such as infection and bleeding but also the ability to recognize potential life-or graft-threatening issues. General issues the transplant coordinator must manage are radiologic imaging for those with tumors, MELD score updates with detail including exceptions, appropriate vaccinations, and, in some instances, living donor candidates.