Introduction/Objective: Pediatric solid organ transplantation is a medically and psychosocially complex process requiring an interdisciplinary team to support successful outcomes. Research demonstrates significant posttraumatic stress (PTS) levels in children and adolescents who have undergone transplant1, as well as in their caregivers2-4. Compared to other chronic illness populations, (i.e. HIV and sickle cell) caregivers of children undergoing evaluation for both solid organ and bone marrow transplant reported greater symptoms of PTS5.  Experiencing a solid organ transplant in childhood can often lead to unresolved trauma and questions for patients and caregivers6.  In response to this need, the transplant social workers created and executed a formal process for families to view the explanted organs.
Method: Partnering with surgical pathology, social workers created a comprehensive protocol to reserve the explant, schedule and host a virtual viewing, complete photo consents and EMR documentation and process the experience with patients and caregivers. Social workers engaged and worked closely with hospital stakeholders including Transplant MDs, Surgical Pathology, Marketing, Family Centered Care and EPIC EMR with the help from Stanford’s Value Improvement Program. REDCap surveys were created and sent via email and SMS text message to caregivers and pathologists.  Surveys were provided to caregivers in both English and Spanish.
Results: Out of 40 patients, 36 organs were viewed from Oct 2020 to Aug 2021.  Post viewing surveys revealed high satisfaction rates with 94% of participants indicating their overall experience was “Extremely Positive” and would “Definitely Recommend” participation to other families. Other feedback stated the viewing “brought us closure”, “was truly cathartic for me”, “was a clear way to understand how sick the organ was” and “reaffirmed we made all the right choices.” Pathologists reported 100% “extremely positive experience” and 100% would “definitely recommend” other pathologists to participate in organ viewing teachings.  Pathologists reported “it is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job”, “it seemed to help the family to ask questions about the biology of the patient’s disease process” and “it was enriching to explain this as a pathologist.”
Conclusions: Patients and caregivers who viewed their explanted organs experienced high levels of satisfaction with the organ viewing program and endorsed validation of their decision to pursue transplant. Surgical Pathologists found the program beneficial and enriching to their primary role.