A Standardized Education Program on Deceased Organ and Tissue Donation for Premedical and Medial Students in Korea

Abstract

Background. As the imbalance in organ demand and supply is getting worse, <1000 patients waiting for organ transplants die each year in South Korea. To enhance positive attitudes to deceased organ–tissue donation through systematic education, we developed an educational program with delivery pathways for premedical and medical students. Methods. Online and offline self-learning educational materials on deceased organ–tissue donation were generated and posted on the Vitallink Academy YouTube site. Thirty-two pre- and 15 posteducation questionnaires were developed using a web-based survey platform, and conducted before and immediately after the education process. The education proceeded in 3 steps: (1) group study sessions on selected topics, (2) poster submissions by each group and the selection of excellent poster by the organizing committee, and (3) excellent poster presentation and questions and answers. Results. A total of 141 students in the first year of premedical classes at the Seoul National University College of Medicine participated in this program. Only 24.2% of responders agreed that anyone who was diagnosed with brain death should donate. The proportion of students with positive attitudes toward organ–tissue donation increased from 74.7% to 97.7% (P < 0.001) with our education. Likewise, interest in deceased organ–tissue donation-related issues increased from 33.3% to 84.9% (P < 0.001). The expressed willingness for organ–tissue donation also increased from 76.8% to 96.5% (P < 0.001). The proportion of accepting brain death as the determination of death increased from 61.6% to 89.5% (P < 0.001). Moreover, 81.4% changed their approach and planned to register with an organ donor card. Conclusions. In this study, significant improvements were observed in knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward organ–tissue donation with our newly developed co-participatory education program for premedical students. Hence, target-specific education can be regarded as a valuable approach to enhancing public awareness of deceased organ–tissue donation.