Offering Transplantation Equitably to All Patients in the U.S.

Dr. Stuart Knechtle, Professor of Surgery at Duke University School of Medicine, speaks with Dr. Anthony Cristillo, Digital Health Partner at Guidehouse, in a video interview about the meaning of data-driven culture in the field of transplantation, the possibilities unlocked by data interoperability, and addressing the challenges associated with disparate data sources.

According to Knechtle, the field of transplantation is deeply rooted in a data-driven culture. Among medical specialties, it stands out as one that regularly relies on detailed outcome and quality data, which is publicly reported and accessible through the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR). This national database has been instrumental in driving quality improvements and setting standards of care, benefiting both the transplant community and patients. Knechtle notes that this transparency and focus on data are ingrained in the field, setting a benchmark for accountability and continuous improvement.

Speaking about the urgent need to improve data quality and interoperability within transplantation Knechtle says that the industry is on the cusp of a transformation where data can be leveraged to significantly benefit patients and caregivers. He explains that, while a vast amount of patient information is available at transplant centers and national databases, the current landscape often involves individual decision-making for each organ offer and recipient. Knechtle suggests that standardizing practices and performance metrics for surgeons and transplant centers, particularly around organ acceptance, could create a more equitable system.

Watch the full interview below.