Factors Associated With the Willingness of Clinical Health Care Professionals for Living Organ Donation

Understanding the attitudes and willingness in regard to living organ donation of health care professionals is important for clinical practice and needs to be addressed. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine willingness and its influencing factors in regard to living organ donation in clinical health care professionals.

Knowledge and Attitude Toward Brain Death and Organ Donation Among Anesthesiology and Reanimation Professionals

PurposeWe aimed to establish the basic data for the improvement of the weak points by determining the knowledge and attitude of professionals in anesthesiology and reanimation or/and intensive care, who are 50% responsible for the diagnosis of brain death.MethodsAfter the approval of the ethics committee, questionnaires were sent to participants. The data were collected electronically. The questionnaire consists of 89 questions.ResultsA total of 564 (22.56%) completed questionnaires were returned. The sex distribution of the respondents was 207 (36.7%) female and 357 (63.3%) male; the mean age was 37 (SD, 7) years. Among participants, 87.2% reported needing ancillary testing for the diagnosis of brain death. Nevertheless, the rate of those who never needed ancillary testing was high among the participants who were specialized and working in hospitals covered by Erzurum RCC (31.2% and 26.7%, respectively) (P < .05). A total of 55.3% of respondents reported considering brain death and 41.9% reported considering circulatory arrest at the time of death. Participants’ religious beliefs are not against to organ donation (93.4%). However, the percentage of respondents who thought that families refuse organ donation because of their religion was 84.1%. Suggestions for increasing organ transplants from deceased donors include education (54.1%), religious support (21.4%), use of media resources (25%), government support and legislative changes (10.1% and 7.6%, respectively), and education of health workers (9.4%).ConclusionThe most important way to solve this problem is to give adequate education to main stakeholders. This is the most effective method to improve the public’s behavior.     

Attitude of Health Care Professionals to Organ Donation: Two Surveys Among the Staff of a German University Hospital

The persistent shortage of organs for transplantation could be minimized by increasing the number of potential donors. The opinion of the staff of a university hospital toward organ donation is of special interest because they are directly involved in solid organ transplantation. In 2007, we conducted a first voluntary survey concerning organ donation among the staff of the university hospital of Essen. A short information campaign and further opinion poll among staff as well as visitors was performed in 2009 to compare professional and public attitudes toward organ donation. The first poll comprised 242 questionnaires showing 55% of the hospital staff carrying organ donor cards, particularly more women (60%) than men (46%). After this survey, an additional 19% of the hospital staff imagined they might carrying an organ donor card in the future. In the second survey, we analyzed 151 questionnaires, showing 66% of staff members carrying an organ donor card, an incidence significantly greater than among visitors (48%). The need for information regarding organ donation was greater among visitors (35%). However, 21% of the hospital staff still also need education concerning organ donation. More education and increased transparency of transplantation practice are necessary for hospital staff to act successfully as initiators. Hospital staff with positive attitudes toward organ donation may have a positive impact on the attitudes of the general public toward organ donation.     

Attitude Toward Organ Donation Among Cuban Residents in Florida

BackgroundThe Cuban population residing in the state of Florida in the United States forms the largest population group of immigrants in that state. It has been described as a population with little awareness of organ donation. The objective is to analyze the factors that Cubans residing in the Florida refer to when expressing an unfavorable attitude toward organ donation and to determine the psychosocial factors associated with the attitude toward organ donation of this population group.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional observational study. From the Proyecto Colaborativo Internacional Donante (International Donor Collaborative Project), a sample stratified by age and sex of Cubans residing in Florida (N = 1224) is obtained. The sample is analyzed using the validated questionnaire (PCID-DTO-RIOS). The reasons against organ donation were analyzed using a specific multiresponse item, with an open response option. For the analysis of the psychosocial variables, a logistic regression analysis is carried out.ResultsA total of 38.2% (n = 468) of the individuals under study declared themselves against organ donation. Of those who were against, the reasons stated were (1) leave the dead in peace (n = 440; 57.6%); (2) religious reasons (n = 192; 25.1%); (3) fear of mutilation (n = 160; 20.9%); (4) assertive refusal (n = 128; 16.8%); (5) apparent death (n = 16; 2.1%); and (6) other reasons (n = 764; 62.4%).ConclusionsThe Cuban population residing in Florida who is against organ donation expresses various reasons. In addition, there are factors associated with the psychosocial profile toward organ donation of this important population group.     

Attitude of Health Professionals Toward Cadaveric Tissue Donation

Introduction

A positive attitude toward organ donation would be expected among health professionals from transplant centers with active donor activities. However, acceptance and knowledge about cadaveric tissue donation has been insufficiently studied.

Objective

The objective of this study was to analyze the knowledge and attitude of health professionals toward cadaveric tissue donation.

Methods

An anonymous survey composed of 23 questions was given to health professionals from 2 university hospitals with donation experience. Sociodemographic and professional characteristics were described to analyze knowledge and acceptance of cadaveric tissue donation.

Results

Among 600 distributed questionnaires we collected 514 completely answered surveys. Gender distribution was 399 females/115 males of ages ranging from 18-65 years, namely 18-28 years, 27%; 29-39 years, 31%; 40-50 years, 32%; and 51-65 years, 10%. Among the sample, 31% of health professionals had never been in contact with a transplant recipient. In this study 99.4% had knowledge about cadaveric organ donation compare with 89.7% about tissue donation. The knowledge about various types of tissue donation was as follows: eye, 96%; musculoskeletal, 87%; skin, 72%, and cardiovascular, 67%. In the sample, 93% and 92% accepted the opportunity to receive an organ or tissue transplantation, respectively. The acceptance of a tissue varied according to the type: cardiovascular, 93%; ocular, 94%; skin, 89%; and musculoskeletal, 87%. Participant acceptance of a relative's tissue donation was 74%, refusal was 22%, and with doubts was 4%.

Conclusions

Insufficient knowledge about cadaveric tissue was demonstrated among health professionals more exposed to the donation process. These results highlighted the importance of health professional's education to facilitate public information about organ and tissue donation.     

Psychosocial Factors Affecting Attitude Toward Organ Donation in Santiago,Cuba

Introduction

Awareness about organ donation among the general population is fundamental to organ donation programs. It is important to determine the factors that influence attitudes toward organ donation within the general population in order to carry out cost-effective campaigns.

The Impact of Educational Intervention on Attitude Toward Organ Donation Among Health Care Workers in Malaysia

BackgroundThe attitudes of the health care workers (HCWs) are essential in influencing organ donation rate. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an educational intervention on attitudes toward organ donation among HCWs.MethodsA questionnaire-based interventional study was conducted with 458 HCW from 5 hospitals in Malaysia. A 26-item self-administered questionnaire was distributed online as a preintervention test. Respondents then went through website-based educational materials followed by a post-intervention questionnaire.ResultsA total of 345 (75.3%) respondents completed the tests. Their attitude toward organ donation was positive preintervention. After the intervention, respondents expressed an increase willingness to donate their own organs (P = .008) and their relatives’ organs (P < .001) after death; were more willing to adopt organ donation as part of end-of-life care (P =.002); were more comfortable talking to relatives about organ donation (P =.001); and expressed an increase consideration to execute the action at any time (P =.001). There was increased willingness to admit to the intensive care unit for facilitating organ donation (P =.007); to employ the same resources to maintain a potential brain-dead donor (P < .001); and to support organ donation in case they or their relatives were diagnosed with end-stage organ failure (P =.008). However, there was an increase in negative attitudes regarding the association between organ donation with health care failure (P =.004) and with pain (P =.003). Positive attitude scores were higher after the intervention (P < .001).ConclusionAn educational website-based intervention was able to improve the attitudes of HCWs toward organ donation.     

Multivariate Analysis of the Factors Affecting Attitude Toward Organ Donation Among the Ecuadorian Population Residing in Spain

Introduction

Immigrants from Ecuador represent the largest group of Latin Americans in Spain and are, therefore, a subgroup of interest to understand their attitudes and influences in respect to organ donation and transplantation.

Do Religious Factors Influence the Attitude Toward Organ Donation Among Medical Students? A Spanish Multicenter Study

Introduction

Religious factors have conditioned the attitude toward organ donation and transplantation (ODT) since the beginning of transplantation, despite the fact that most religions are in favor of transplantation.

Attitudes Toward Living Organ Donation and Willingness to Be a Living Organ Donor Among Chinese Citizens in 3 Cities

Objective

The level of awareness of living organ donation demonstrated by citizens may affect the rate of organ transplantation in their area of residence. The objective of this study was to assess the attitudes toward living organ donation and willingness to be a living organ donor among Chinese citizens.

Attitude Toward Organ Donation in the Population of Cienfuegos,Cuba

Introduction

The sensitization of the population toward organ donation is fundamental; for that reason, it is important to determine the factors that condition the opinion toward donation on the population scope in order to carry out cost-effective campaigns.

The Effect of Educational Initiatives on the Attitude and Knowledge of Health Care Professionals Regarding Organ Donation and Transplantation: An Integrative Literature Review

BackgroundThis integrative literature review synthesizes evidence on the effect of educational initiatives (EI) on the attitude and knowledge of health care professionals regarding organ donation and transplantation (ODT), and the EI effect considering the risks of the ODT process related to the professionals' attitudes and knowledge.MethodsThis search included 8 databases, with search terms across 4 groups: ODT activities, health professionals, attitude/knowledge, and EI. We applied the PICO framework to select articles: Population - health care professionals; Intervention - any EI; Comparison - pre/post or intervention/control designs; and Outcomes - indicators of attitudes or knowledge toward ODT. After the appraisal of 2,221 citations, 21 studies were included in this review.ResultsThe EI varied to a great extent in terms of format (seminars, workshops, video lectures; online or in-person training), duration (from 15 minutes to 3 months), and the number of participants (from 12 to 1011). The effects reported were positive, increasing professionals’ knowledge and attitude regarding the ODT process for all EI formats. Most articles (14; 67%) presented positive results with statistical significance for all indicators analyzed, and the remaining studies (7; 35%) reported statistical significance for some of the indicators analyzed. All EIs focused on donation or post-transplantation activities, lacking studies on the transplantation stage.ConclusionsResults suggest that different types of EIs may positively affect the attitude and knowledge of health care professionals regarding the ODT process. This study provides an up-to-date overview of the main themes examined in this literature, highlighting critical knowledge gaps and methodological flaws.     

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.     

Attitude of the Citizens of Havana,Cuba, Toward Organ Donation: A Multivariate Analysis of the Psychosocial Factors Affecting Attitude

Introduction

Because personal decisions affect the availability of organs for transplants, awareness about organ donations among the general population is fundamental.