​UPMC
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

The Transplant Guardian Angel program was developed to ensure that patients and families are supported through the transplant surgical process by providing them with accurate, real-time updates and clinical information, thereby reducing anxiety and increasing effective communication between care delivery teams. Guardian Angels serve as health advocates and provide guidance and support for patients and families in the transplant program.

Background
This content was initially created as part of the Picker Institute’s Always Events Program. Always Events refer to aspects of the patient experience that are so important to patients and families that health care providers should reliably implement the events 100 percent of the time.