Knowledge and Attitudes on Organ Donation From the Perspective of Liver Transplant Patients

PurposeThis study was performed to investigate the knowledge and attitudes about organ donation from the perspective of liver transplant patients.Design and MethodsThe study was conducted at the organ transplantation clinics. The data were collected by the researchers from 129 participants using in-person interviews.FindingsIn this study, 83% of patients received the organ from live donors, 36% received liver transplants in the previous 1 year, more than 70% agreed to donate their organs, and 80% thought awareness should be raised in society about organ donation.ConclusionIt was found that the participants in the sample needed information on the issue, although the sample consisted of individuals who had experienced organ donation. It is important that nurses and nurse managers understand the level of knowledge and the attitudes of organ donation patients who have undergone liver transplantation. Worldwide, organ donation is not at the desired level. This study aims to enhance in nurses and nurse managers the foresight regarding and awareness about behaviors of transplantation patients.     

Religious and Cultural Aspects of Organ Donation in the Turkish Population

ObjectiveOrgan donation is becoming more important with increasing organ transplantation possibilities. We aimed to determine the knowledge, sociocultural view, and influences of religious belief regarding opinions on organ donation.Material and methodThis study was based on a self-administered survey questionnaire distributed via the Internet. The study sample was sent to Internet communication groups.ResultsThree hundred and seventeen participants completed the survey: 39.4% of respondents said that they would definitely donate their organs; 6.9% would only give via live donation; 51.4% were undetermined; and 2.2% absolutely refused to donate. Muslim respondents favored organ donation (36.5%) and linked it to religious reasons (6.3%). Only 4 (1.3%) of the 6 (1.9%) Muslim respondents who said they would definitely not donate did so because they felt that organ donation was religiously inappropriate. Of 22 Muslim participants (7.3%), 5 (1.6%) attributed the idea of living donation to religious reasons and 11 (3.6%) did not have enough information. The atheist respondents believed that the reason for organ donation was to do someone else a favor (88.8%). The deist and agnostic believers also ascribed to this view. In order to evaluate the effects of cultural causes, we examined regional responses and found that 85 of the 196 participants in the Marmara Region would definitely donate organs, 18 would do so only for live donations, and 5 would definitely not donate.ConclusionReligious and cultural factors affect people’s decision to donate their organs. In the survey we conducted on Turkish responders, we saw that religious causes are particularly effective in organ donation.     

Medical students' knowledge,attitudes and awareness toward organ donation

ObjectiveThis survey study aimed to evaluate medical students' attitudes, knowledge, and awareness toward organ donation.MethodsFor this questionnaire-based cross-sectional study, 1000 medical students were interviewed, out of which 950 students agreed to participate in the study and were enrolled. A questionnaire form consisting of 29 questions was used to determine the students' socio-demographic characteristics and rate their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about organ donation.ResultsWhile 95.5% (n = 907) of the students stated that they had not donated organs, 41.1% stated that they had not yet decided to donate organs, and 59.7% stated that they had no specific reason for them not donating organs. Out of the participants, 68.1% stated that organ donation complies with the Islamic rules; 40.7% stated that the Directorate of Religious Affairs issued a fatwa on organ donation, and 39.4% stated that there are legal regulations on organ donation in the country. While 22.1% of the students stated that a person with brain death could come back to life, 19.7% stated that they did not know about this issue. The students who had donated organs and who did not show significant differences regarding the answers given to the questions about whether organ donation complies with religious rules (p < 0.001), where one must apply to donate organs (p = 0.032), the will to donate the organs of a relative with brain death (p = 0.004), and whether preaching in mosques and foundations is needed to increase organ donation rates (p = 0.042). Although there was a correlation between the students' grade and their attitude and knowledge about organ donation, this correlation was weak and showed no parallelism with increasing grades.ConclusionThis study indicates that medical students have inadequate knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about organ donation. In our opinion, it is of paramount importance to provide physician candidates, who should set an example for society, with periodic training on organ donation throughout their academic life in shaping the national organ donation policy in the future.     

Knowledge,Attitude, and Behavior Toward Organ Donation and Transplantation Among Medical Students in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

BackgroundOrgan donation is an integral part of medical ethics worldwide, including Saudi Arabia. Although the Saudi community has a positive attitude toward the concept of organ donation and transplantation, several factors prevent people from agreeing to donate organs and tissues. This study aimed to explore and evaluate the knowledge and attitudes medical students in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia have toward organ donation and transplantation.MethodsA cross-sectional study among 722 medical students in the Eastern Province. The questionnaire consisted of 3 parts: sociodemographic questions, organ donation and transplantation knowledge questions, and questions on attitudes toward organ donation and reasons for consenting or refusing to donate.ResultsBoth men and women had positive attitudes toward organ donation. The level of knowledge of organ donation and related procedures did not differ significantly among men (13.07%) and women (13.60%) (P < .027). The motives for donation were the desire to help others (88.8%) (P = .02) and sympathy (59.8%). The main source of information on organ donation for respondents was television, followed by the internet and relatives and/or friends.ConclusionsWhile medical students are generally supportive of organ donation and transplantation, they may lack basic knowledge on organ donation. Due to lack of basic knowledge, they become hesitant to make the decision to donate. It is recommended that additional organ donation modules be included in the student curriculum to increase the knowledge of future health care providers. Most of the participants would not change their attitudes toward organ donation based on the Saudi government initiatives to register for the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation organ donation program.     

Assessment of Community Knowledge of and Attitude Toward Organ Donation in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThe demand for organ donation has increased because of the sharp rise in the number of transplant candidates worldwide. The main influences on the organ donation rate in Saudi Arabia were religious considerations and a lack of knowledge. The aim of this study was to explore community knowledge of and attitude toward organ donation in Saudi Arabia.MethodsAn online cross-sectional survey study was conducted to assess community knowledge of and attitude toward organ donation in Saudi Arabia in January 2022. The study population consisted of everyone who is currently residing in Saudi Arabia and is aged ≥18 years. The participants were questioned regarding the types of organs that might be donated, the potential health risks associated with organ donation, and the Saudi Arabian system for organ donation. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of better knowledge of and attitude toward organ donation.ResultsThe study involved 1208 participants, of which 63% reported that they would be willing to donate their organs for a family member. The most reported organs for which the participants reported they are willing to donate were the kidneys (48%), liver (25%), and heart (21%). Most reported that they would donate their organs to save someone's life (93%). The study participants showed mild to moderate level of knowledge about organ donation with a mean score of 5.4 (standard deviation [SD] 1.6), which is equal to 68% of the maximum obtainable score (which is 8). The study participants showed a mild positive attitude toward organ donation with a mean score of 3.3 (SD 1.3), which is equal to 47% of the maximum obtainable score (which is 7). Younger participants (aged 19-30 years) and those who work in the health care sector were more likely than others to be knowledgeable about organ donation (P ≤ .01). At the same time, participants aged 31 to 40 years were more likely than others to have positive attitudes toward organ donation (P ≤ .01).ConclusionsThe present study participants showed mild to moderate level of knowledge of and mild positive attitude toward organs donation. Awareness campaigns should be directed toward the elderly population to enhance their awareness and attitude toward this important lifesaving practice.     

Attitudes, knowledge, and proficiency in relation to organ donation: a questionnaire-based analysis in donor hospitals in northern Denmark

The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and proficiency in relation to organ donation among staff members of intensive care units (ICUs) in donor hospitals, and possibly identify areas for improvement. The investigation was carried out as a collaboration between the transplant center and appointed key persons in all 17 ICUs in 15 hospitals in northern Denmark. A total of 1168 structured questionnaires were distributed to the health care professionals in the ICUs in the region; 689 were returned, giving a response rate of 59%. In general, there is a positive attitude among health care professionals toward organ donation. However, a considerable fraction of 11% declares to be against organ donation. Only 49% of the ICU health care professionals are willing to donate their own organs after death. By comparison, 74% of the general Danish population are willing to donate organs after death. Doctors are more positive toward organ donation than the nursing staff. Thus, 95% of the doctors are positive to organ donation compared to 81% of the nurses; 70% of the doctors will donate own organs after death compared to 45% of the nurses. Further, the survey demonstrates as expected a significant lack of experience in organ donation. Our data show a considerable need for more education and training, especially on how to inform and support the donor relatives and how to identify potential donors. The survey also discloses a substantial need for information regarding the results of transplantation.     

Public Perception of Organ Donation and Transplantation Policies in Southern Spain

BackgroundThis research explores how public awareness and attitudes toward donation and transplantation policies may contribute to Spain's success in cadaveric organ donation.Materials and MethodsA representative sample of 813 people residing in Andalusia (Southern Spain) were surveyed by telephone or via Internet between October and December 2018.ResultsMost participants trust Spain's donation and transplantation system (93%) and wish to donate their organs after death (76%). Among donors, a majority have expressed their consent (59%), and few nondonors have expressed their refusal (14%). Only a minority are aware of the presumed consent system in force (28%) and feel sufficiently informed regarding the requirements needed to be an organ donor (16%). Participants mainly consider that relatives should represent the deceased's preferences and be consulted when the deceased's wishes are unknown, as is the case in Spain.ConclusionPublic trust in the transplant system may contribute to Spain's high performance in organ donation. High levels of societal support toward organ donation and transplantation do not correspond with similar levels of public awareness of donation and transplantation policies in Spain.     

Organ donation: a cross-sectional survey of the knowledge and personal views of Turkish health care professionals

Health care professionals (HCPs) represent a key element in the cadaveric organ donation process. This cross-sectional survey assessed HCPs' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior related to cadaveric organ donation and transplantation. One thousand one hundred eighty-four HCPs were randomly selected from various units of five health care institutions located in three major Turkish cities. Each individual completed a questionnaire. The ages ranged between 18 and 63 years. By examining the tendency to organ procurement, 78.6% of the physicians and 69.5% of the nurses stated that establishing brain death during ventilator support is the optimum condition. The results indicated good overall knowledge of the criteria for brain death. Physicians displayed significantly better understanding of the criteria for brain death and optimal conditions for organ procurement. While physicians have significantly better knowledge about kidney transplantation, there was no difference for liver transplantation. Compared to nurses, doctors had significantly better knowledge of which organs can be used in the current transplantation process. Although 44.2% claimed they were willing to donate their organs, only 17.9% actually carried a legal donation card. The rate of willingness to donate was significantly higher among doctors than nurses. Physicians have significantly better knowledge about legal aspects of organ donation and transplantation. Overall, the survey revealed that lack of knowledge has a negative impact on people's attitudes toward organ donation even among health care professionals. Improvements must be made to develop a nationwide Donor Hospital Education Program that will provide training concerning transplantation and organ donation.     

Physiotherapy in Patients on the Organ Donation Pathway: A Survey of Current Practice

BackgroundThe purpose of the survey was to identify the current practices of physiotherapists in the management of patients on the organ donation pathway.MethodsThe author conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey. Participants were 16 physiotherapists working in intensive care units (ICU) in Queensland, who were involved in the care of patients on the organ donation pathway.ResultsIn Queensland ICUs, only 57% of hospitals have formal guidelines for physiotherapy management of patients on the organ donation pathway. When comparing the frequency of interventions with organ donation status, 86% of physiotherapists reported increasing the frequency of interventions once a patient was considered for organ donation. Clinical reasoning was reported as the primary factor affecting intervention choice for 67% of physiotherapists, with no difference in frequency, or choice of intervention in patients for donation after circulatory death, compared with donation after brain death. In hospitals with a level I ICU (with infrequent exposure to organ donation), the use of protocols was supported by 100% of participants, whereas in hospitals with a level II and III ICU (and greater exposure), only 31% of participants supported the use of protocols.ConclusionsThere are wide variations and a lack of formal guidelines for physiotherapy management of patients on the organ donation pathway; however, clinical reasoning appears to be favored above protocolized management in hospitals with level II and level III ICUs.     

Romanian Laypeople’s and Health Professionals’ Views Regarding Living Organ Donation

BackgroundRomanian laypeople’s and health professionals’ views on living organ donation were examined.MethodsFrom July 2015 to May 2016, 263 adults (among them 31 physicians and 20 nurses) judged the acceptability of living organ donation in 42 realistic scenarios composed of varying levels of 6 factors: 1. type of organ, 2. whether it could have been obtained from a cadaver, 3. donor-recipient relationship, 4. donor’s level of autonomy, 5. financial compensation, and 6. patients’ level of responsibility for their illness. In all scenarios, the patients were in need of either a kidney or liver transplantation.ResultsThe ratings were subjected to cluster analysis and analyses of variance. Seven qualitatively different positions were found that were termed never acceptable (12%), free market (44%), compensation (12%), altruism (6%), always acceptable (16%), responsibility (4%), and undetermined (6%). Physicians were more frequently in the free market or in the compensation clusters (81%) than laypeople (51%).ConclusionOnly a few participants held the altruism model, even though this model has been promoted as the normative model by the World Health Organization and by most national legislations, including the legislation in Romania. Instead, the free market position and its variant—the compensation position—can be considered the majority positions (66%) in Romania.     

Survey of First-Year Medical Students to Assess Their Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Organ Transplantation and Donation

Background

The important shortage of organ donors is still a fundamental public health problem in France. Improving the knowledge and attitudes of health care professionals could help to promote organ donation. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the level of knowledge of medical students and their gaps about organ donation prior to any medical course.

Materials and Methods

A survey was conducted among 571 first-year medical students at a medical faculty in Lyon. Their knowledge, attitudes, personal views, and perceptions toward organ donation and transplantation were investigated prior to any medical course. A 31-item anonymous questionnaire including queries about personal views of organ donation, factual knowledge, and awareness of French law was distributed to the students.

Results

To “willingness to donate a kidney to a relative,” 97.7% of respondents consented, 0.9% objected, and 1.4% did not answer. Their attitudes toward cadaveric organ donation were different: 81.1% agreed, 13.5% refused, and 5.4% did not answer. Regarding their knowledge about which organs could be transplanted, 95% of the respondents were aware of the possibility to transplant a face and 14% thought that xenotransplantation was performed nowadays.

Conclusions

First-year medical students have a good knowledge level regarding the organ donation and transplantation system prior to their medical course. Some gaps remain which could be improved. The results of this study supported a greater emphasis on providing information regarding transplantation in medical schools to improve the knowledge of future health care professionals. A follow-up survey of the participants at the end of their medical course will be interesting to assess the progress of their attitudes.     

Survey for the Opinion of Medical Students and Medical Staff on a Financial Incentive System for Deceased Organ Donation in an Asian Country

BackgroundFinancial incentives for deceased organ donation are associated with many controversial ethical issues. This study examines the perspectives of medical students and staff members on financial incentives for the families of brain-dead organ donors.MethodologyA structured survey form was used between December 7, 2017 and January 28, 2018 to elicit opinions on financial incentives for the families of brain-dead organ donors. Forty-three medical staff members and 81 medical students participated in the survey voluntarily. The opinions on the financial incentive system and the relationship between willingness to give information about organ donation to families and a financial incentive system were assessed.ResultsThe majority of the participants (81.4%) had positive thoughts on organ donation. More than half of the participants (60.5%) thought that the financial incentive system did not erode the ethical purity of organ donation. As charge doctors, most respondents (84.6%) were willing to give information about organ donation to family members in the presence of financial incentives. However, the percentage decreased significantly to 60.5% when financial incentive was no longer factored into consideration (P < .001).LimitationThe study population is small, and the participants are not representative of the general population.ConclusionThe opinions of medical students and medical staff on financial incentives for deceased organ donation were generally positive. Financial incentives proved to be a potential influencing factor as an option of organ donation to be given to families.     

Public Awareness Survey About Organ Donation and Transplantation

BackgroundThis survey was conducted to assess the public perception on organ donation and transplantation.MethodsA random sample of the population attending the outpatient clinics in Dhahran Military Hospital, Saudi Arabia, from December 1, 2011, to January 31, 2012, answered a questionnaire related to the above aim.ResultsFrom 582 subjects who answered the questionnaire, 85 were excluded for incoherent answers. From the remaining 497, 77.7% were males and 22.3% females with the age ranging from 18 to 65 years, and the majority was at a secondary or university level of education. More than 90% were aware organ transplantation and donation. From a religious point of view, 68.6% considered it legal to donate organs versus 26.2%. Those who disagreed with the concept of donation believed that one kidney is not enough to survive (50%), and that the remaining kidney may be affected (25.8%), whereas 15.2% expressed fear of the operation. Kidney transplantation was the preferred treatment for 73.2% of respondents and 12.75% were in favor of dialysis. Regarding financial incentive, 14.5% asked for reward from the government, 3.4% believed that the reward should come from the donor, and the majority (82.1%) stated that organ donation should be for the sake of God. Finally, there was a 61.2% willingness of respondents to donate relatives' organs after brain death.ConclusionThe level of awareness about donation and transplantation in our population was found to be satisfactory. Religion was not a bar for organ donation; moreover, financial incentive was not found to be a positive stimulus toward donation because the majority was willing to donate for the sake of God.     

Public Awareness of Knowledge,Belief, and Attitude Regarding Organ Donation and Organ Transplantation: A National Survey From the United Arab Emirates

Background

Organ donation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was restricted until recently to living donation. This survey was conducted to explore the public knowledge, belief, and attitude regarding donation during life and after death.

Development of a Canadian deceased donation education program for health professionals: a needs assessment survey

Purpose

The purpose of this survey was to determine how Canadian healthcare professionals perceive their deficiencies and educational requirements related to organ and tissue donation.

Methods

We surveyed 641 intensive care unit (ICU) physicians, 1,349 ICU nurses, 1,561 emergency room (ER) physicians, and 1,873 ER nurses. The survey was distributed by the national organization for each profession (the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians, the Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses, and the National Emergency Nurses Association). Canadian Blood Services developed the critical care physician list in collaboration with the Canadian Critical Care Society. Survey development included questions related to comfort with, and knowledge of, key competencies in organ and tissue donation.

Results

Eight hundred thirty-one (15.3%) of a possible 5,424 respondents participated in the survey. Over 50% of respondents rated the following topics as highly important: knowledge of general organ and tissue donation, neurological determination of death, donation after cardiac death, and medical-legal donation issues. High competency comfort levels ranged from 14.7-50.9% for ICU nurses and 8.0-34.6% for ER nurses. Competency comfort levels were higher for ICU physicians (67.5-85.6%) than for ER physicians who rated all competencies lower. Respondents identified a need for a curriculum on national organ donation and preferred e-learning as the method of education.

Conclusions

Both ICU nurses and ER practitioners expressed low comfort levels with their competencies regarding organ donation. Intensive care unit physicians had a much higher level of comfort; however, the majority of these respondents were specialty trained and working in academic centres with active donation and transplant programs. A national organ donation curriculum is needed.

     

Attitude and Knowledge of Medical Students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Regarding Organ Donation

Background

The shortage of organ donation is the key rate-limiting factor for organ transplantation in Iran. Many strategies have been proposed to increase donation; one strategy aims to improve awareness of organ donation and transplantation among medical students. Medical students may play an important role in the acceptance of organ donation in the population. This requires both a positive attitude and an appropriate knowledge about the concept of organ donation and transplantation. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitude of the medical students of the largest medical university in northwestern Iran.

A Swedish survey of young people's views on organ donation and transplantation

The aim of this study is to explore young people's attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge on organ donation and transplantation. A survey was conducted among 1,447 students aged 15-18 years in four urban areas in Sweden. Although students looked upon organ transplantation favorably, only 50% were willing to donate their own organs, and only 20% the organs of their parents. Concerning organ donation, 75% of the students expressed some discomfort. There were significant gender differences. About 70% of the students indicated that transplantation issues should be included in the school curriculum. It is concluded that teenagers feel irresolution and discomfort regarding organ donation after death, but concurrently see organ transplantation as a highly valued service. One way that this mental conflict can be resolved is through education. Educational programs in school must address this ambivalence and both mediate facts and help students to work through the fear and discomfort associated with organ donation.     

Survey on attitudes and knowledge on the organ recovery from deceased donors in roman catholic nuns and priests

Deceased donors (DD) organ recovery rate in Poland has never been satisfactory but over the years kidney transplantation from deceased donors has reached the level of 26 transplants/pmp. In 2007 due to a number of reasons, a dramatic fall of organ recovery rate from deceased donors (DD) occurred. The survey on public attitude toward organ transplantation carried out in the same year showed a large reduction of the public trust toward medical profession. Since then, the number of kidney transplantations has never come back to its level from 2006, regardless of a positive attitude toward organ transplantation. The attitude and knowledge survey was recently carried out in 100 physicians and 100 nurses employed in one large district hospital. The results of the attitude survey among the hospital staff showed that the level of knowledge among nurses corresponded to their age and the time since graduation. Younger nurses showed much more appreciation and knowledge toward recovery of organs from the deceased donors. Survey among physicians indicated some hesitation toward recognition of the brain death. In the present paper results of the survey on attitude and knowledge toward organ transplantation among nuns (98 nuns), priests (100 priests) and students (98 students) of the Theological School living in the same area are presented. Despite quite high (>60%) acceptance of the deceased donation, one third of questioned population showed lack of knowledge not only on existing legal regulations, but also of important documents issued by the Catholic Church. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement of transplantation program in Poland requires extensive educational program among various parts of the society: most importantly among physicians, nurses and priests. The Partnership for Transplantation program has been directed to achieve these goals.