Partnering for Meaningful Honor Walks

Honoring donor heroes and their families is a commitment of both Midwest Transplant Network and our hospital partners. In 2018, an ICU charge nurse at Overland Park Regional Medical Center, made a remarkable request to hold an Honor Walk for a donor patient. It was the first of its kind in our service area, and MTN was humbled to see the dedication and commitment to donation at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. The request was immediately approved by the hospital’s chief nursing officer, executive leadership and critical care leadership. After ensuring family support and preparation, and extensive staff education, the most remarkable and impactful donor hero tribute took place, an Honor Walk.

Honor Walks have become a standard part of organ donation at all the larger MTN-area hospitals. MTN truly values the opportunity to be a part of every Honor Walk for donor heroes and their loved ones in the care of your hospital team.

Coordinating an Honor Walk is a significant responsibility and often falls to the ICU charge nurse or house supervisor. Communication with MTN’s clinical and family support teams is essential to ensure success.

• When Honor Walks are planned, the time frames are often very fluid.

• Our MTN Family Services team prepares the donor family for potential Honor Walk times, and it is important that hospital partners understand that the times could be adjusted.

• It is advisable for the ICU charge nurse or the designated hospital staff who is coordinating the Honor Walk to give prospective hospital attendees an indication to a tentative Honor Walk time.

• It is recommended that you wait until the transport team is present and the patient has been switched to the transport ventilator and monitors before the actual Honor Walk is formally convened.

• Once the patient is fully prepared for transport, the MTN team and the transport staff can wait for hospital staff to convene for the Honor Walk.

When we collaborate and ensure effective communication, Honor Walks can be carried out with respect for the donor family and consideration for hospital staff time.

Thank you for the work you do and for the care you provide for donor heroes and their families.