Pan-Canadian Organ Donation and Transplantation (ODT) Data and Performance Reporting System Project

Project overview

CIHI and Canada Health Infoway (Infoway) are co-leading a multi-year project to develop a modernized pan-Canadian organ donation and transplantation (ODT) data and performance reporting system.

Funded by Health Canada, this project aims to support improvements in ODT access, care and outcomes across Canada through the deployment of technology solutions, system integrations and pan-Canadian data and system-level performance reporting. Project activities and outcomes will be achieved through collaborations with provincial and territorial ministries of health, health organizations, clinicians, researchers, patients, families, donors and the ODT community. The CIHI-Infoway ODT Data and Performance Reporting System Project builds on existing foundational ODT work, such as initiatives led by the provinces and territories, and those led by Canadian Blood Services and its ODT Expert Advisory Committee, where applicable.

In fall 2023, CIHI launched its newest data holding, the Canadian Organ Donation and Transplantation Data System (CanODT). Work continues to prepare for the receipt of new digital data in the coming year.

Organ donation and transplantation in Canada

• Despite significant advances in ODT practices in Canada, the need for life-saving organ transplants continues to grow and exceed the availability of donated organs across the country. 
• In 2022, a total of 2,916 organ transplants were performed in Canada, 3,777 Canadians were on wait-lists to receive a transplant and 270 Canadians died while on the wait-list.Reference1
• Canada’s rate of deceased organ donations lags behind that of other countries, and there remains significant variation across jurisdictions in organ donation rates and access to transplantation.