Abstract
Perceptions of the New Acuity Circles Allocation Policy Among Liver Transplant Centers in the US
Journal of the American College of Surgeons, Vol.236(5), pp.S122-S122
05/2023
DOI: 10.1097/01.XCS.0000933376.49034.00
Abstract
Introduction: Recently, a new liver allocation policy called the Acuity Circles (AC) framework was implemented to decrease geographic disparities in transplant metrics across donor service areas. Early analyses have examined the changes in outcomes due to the AC policy. However, perceptions among transplant surgeons and staff regarding the new policy remain unknown.
Methods: A 28-item survey was sent to division chiefs and surgical directors of liver transplantation across the US. Questions assessed the respondents’ perceptions regarding center-level metrics and staff satisfaction.
Results: A total of n=30 participants completed this ongoing survey study (response rate 25%). Most responses were from Region 5 (17%), Region 10 (13%), and Region 11 (13%). The majority of respondents (60%) perceived a decrease in the waiting time for a suitable offer among patients with model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores >30 and an increase in the median MELD at transplantation (53.4%) after AC implementation. However, most respondents (70%) felt that the average cost per transplant had increased and that the rate of surgical complications and one-year graft survival had remained the same. 43.4% of participants perceived that liver transplant staff were dissatisfied with the AC policy. Common themes in qualitative feedback pertained to costs and the need for greater local prioritization.
Conclusion: Perceptions of the new AC policy among liver transplant surgeons in the US remain mixed, highlighting the potential strengths and concerns regarding its future impact. Further studies should assess the effects of the AC policy on clinical outcomes and liver transplantation access.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Perceptions of the New Acuity Circles Allocation Policy Among Liver Transplant Centers in the US
- Creators
- Natalie Pawlak - Tufts Medical CenterCherilyn Song - Tufts Medical CenterSaba Alvi - Tufts Medical CenterYong Kyong Kwon - Tufts Medical CenterMuhammad A Rauf - Vanderbilt University Medical CenterMohamed Elhassan Akoad - Tufts Medical CenterDavid C Mulligan - Yale UniversityHassan Aziz - Tufts Medical Center
- Resource Type
- Abstract
- Publication Details
- Journal of the American College of Surgeons, Vol.236(5), pp.S122-S122
- DOI
- 10.1097/01.XCS.0000933376.49034.00
- ISSN
- 1072-7515
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 05/2023
- Academic Unit
- Surgery
- Record Identifier
- 9984701746502771
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