*Purpose: A transplant hospitality house (THH) serving multiple transplant centers is directly connected to its region’s Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) and offers formal education to transplant patients focusing on organ and tissue donation. Patients and families who stay receive education about organ and tissue donation through knowledgeable staff and education groups facilitated by OPO professionals. These education opportunities allow transplant patients to receive accurate information about organ and tissue donation, which encourages informed, end-of-life conversations with their families.

*Methods: In 2017 THH conducted at 360° evaluation from the perspective of patients and families,), transplant hospitals, volunteers and financial donors, with the research question: “What is the impact of FH experience on transplant patients/families?” An outside IRB approved the study design, including the protocols and consents for a convenience sample of 71 participants interviewed in the course of 9 focus groups and 15 key informant interviews. The data was coded according to 30 study variables.

*Results: The study found that in addition to improved overall health and wellbeing, transplant patients and their family consistently expressed an increased appreciation and understanding for the need for organ and tissue donation as a result of their experience at THH and many became advocates encouraging friends and families to register as organ and tissue donors. A case study following one patient during their stay at THH ending with successful cornea donation highlights the study’s findings. While staying at THH, the patient indicated to his family his desire to be an organ and tissue donor as a result of his experience. The patient later suffered a sudden cardiac event while at THH and the patient was pronounced dead after resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. The patient’s family informed THH staff of the patient’s wish to be a donor and staff contacted the OPO to report the death. OPO coordinators arrived at THH to discuss tissue donation with the family and complete the authorization process. The patient was eligible for cornea donation and was transported to the OPO for cornea recovery. The corneas were used to restore sight to two patients.

*Conclusions: The donation outcome for this case can be attributed to the knowledge and support of donation by THH staff and the relationship THH has with the OPO. This outcome highlights the importance of providing organ and tissue donation education to THH patients and families.

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