Continuous Distribution of Livers Values Prioritization Exercise

This technical report presents the results of a values prioritization exercise (VPE) conducted by the transplant community regarding the allocation of deceased donor livers from January 18 to March 18, 2023. The VPE aimed to gather public input on priorities for a new allocation framework. A total of 1,033 individuals participated, with the majority being patients or caregivers and transplant hospital professionals. The report details the overall ratings of attributes prioritized by participants, including highly medically urgent candidates and pediatric candidates. It also analyzes comments from participants, revealing themes such as the need for special considerations for certain donor types and the importance of travel time in transplant outcomes. The report outlines the methodology used in the VPE, including the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), and discusses the ongoing development of a continuous distribution framework aimed at improving equity and transparency in liver allocation. The findings will inform future policy decisions by the OPTN Liver and Intestinal Organ Transplantation Committee.