The Impact of Trust Study Days on Organ and Tissue Donation among Critical Care Staff

Abstract

The UK has one of the lowest rates of organ donation in Western Europe. Several barriers to the donation process have been identified. Among these are lack of knowledge, failure of staff to identify potential donors and feeling that it is someone else's responsibility to request for donation. Evidence suggests that educational programmes covering issues regarding organ and tissue donation enhance knowledge and confidence in the organ donation process and ultimately increase the number of potential donors. In 2002, Bolton NHS trust made changes aiming to increase donor rates. Trust study days were introduced, aiming to educate staff about aspects of donation. Since then, Bolton has had a significant increase in donor rates. The purposes of this audit were to assess present levels of knowledge and attitudes about organ and tissue donation and to see whether the introduction of trust study days has made a positive impact amongst critical care staff. The findings of this audit are encouraging, showing a positive impact on both staff knowledge and attitudes towards donation and reflecting a change in culture within the trust.