Heart transplantation is currently the definitive gold standard surgical approach in the treatment of refractory heart failure. However, the shortage of donors limits the achievement of a greater number of heart transplants, in which the use of mechanical circulatory support devices is increasing. With well-established indications and contraindications, as well as diagnosis and treatment of rejection through defined protocols of immunosuppression, the outcomes of heart transplantation are very favorable. Among early complications that can impact survival are primary graft failure, right ventricular dysfunction, rejection, and infections, whereas late complications include cardiac allograft vasculopathy and neoplasms. Despite the difficulties for heart transplantation, in particular, the shortage of donors and high mortality while on the waiting list, in Brazil, there is a great potential for both increasing effective donors and using circulatory assist devices, which can positively impact the number and outcomes of heart transplants.

Between January and June 2015, the project provided CME-accredited education about organ donation for physician office staff in 122 randomized participating clinics across Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. This included online and in-person training (lunch and learns) to over 1,500 PCP office staff participants as well as PCP office kits that included tabletop posters, brochures and office forms which included a survey and designation form. Results: Over 21,000 patient-completed organ donation survey forms were collected. About half of all participants were already registered organ donors. 764 (8.1%) completed the designation form and became registered organ donors upon receiving information from this pilot project. Due to the program's success, both Organ Procurement Organizations in Pennsylvania (CORE and Gift of Life) have committed to funding the program as a statewide initiative, to be launched in January 2016. Conclusion: Unique initiatives like the PSL project can help create awareness amongst people regarding the critical value of organ donation.