Training course in donation for hospital nursing staff in Galicia:

analysis and results before and after the course

Sánchez Ibáñez Jacinto; Alvarez-Vázquez M; Bouzas Caamaño E; Cortes Cañones JR; Arruti Peleteiro E; Alemparte Pardavila E; Vara Pérez C; González Rodríguez L.

The level of knowledge of donation and transplantation together with that of hospital nursing staff awareness is crucial in improving the positive

atmosphere around donation.

Aim: The Regional Transplant Coordination in Galicia designed training courses for nursing staff in all the hospitals authorized for donation and compared their knowledge of and attitude to the donation and transplantation process before and after the course.

Course description

• jointly organized by Galicia Transplant Office and hospital Transplant Office

• courses accredited by the Training System

• courses for nurses: all hospital services (preferably donor generating units)

• common content adapted to the activity of each center

• speakers are professionals from each center

• educational material: Transplant Coordination Office of Galicia

34 accredited courses were held between 2008 and the 1st of June 2011

The variables studied were: gender, age, type of hospital (donor only or donor and transplant); type of unit (donor generating unit unit or not)

A questionnaire was completed before and after the course and the answers were analyzed (using SPSS 15.0,Mc Nemar test).

Material and Methods

4,9% male

Average ageAverage age 42,5 years (SD 9.3 years)

GenderGender 95,1% female

Type of hospitalType of hospital

Type of unitType of unit

32% donor&transplant hospital

36% donor generating unit

68% donor hospital

64% non donor generating unit

Results 74,3%

74,3%

correctly completed questionnaire(before/after)

1,040 health professionals

Q1.Positive attitude toward donation

98,7%

020406080

10096.9 98.7

before after

female*

male < 45> 45

D hospita

l*

D/T hosp

ital

DG unit

non gen unit

0102030405060708090

10096.9 97.4

98.394.5 97.3 95.8 97.8 96.498.8

97.499.6

97.299.6

96.799.6

98.2

* statistically significant

General p= 0,014

Q2. Brain death as death

98,7%

020406080

100

63.8

95.9

before after

female*

male*

< 45*> 45*

D hospita

l*

D/T hosp

ital*

DG unit*

non DG unit*0

102030405060708090

100

63.568.4 64.9

61.7 65.859.2

67.561.6

96.192.1

96.594.8

96.993.3

97.195.2

* statistically significant

General p= 0,000

Q3. Knowledge about Spanish legislation on consent

98,7%

020406080

100

47.5

89.1

before after

female*

male*

< 45*> 45*

D hospita

l*

D/T hosp

ital*

DG unit*

non DG unit*0

102030405060708090

100

46.8

60.5

48.944.8 46.6

49.252

44.8

89 92.1 89.688.3

91.8

82.9

89.988.7

* statistically significant

General p= 0,000

Q4. The most appropiate moment to talk about donation with donor´s family

98,7%

020406080

100

79.393.4

before after

female*

male< 45*

> 45*

D hospita

l*

D/T hosp

ital*

DG unit*

non DG unit*0

102030405060708090

100

7984.2 83

73.479.6 79.2 78 80

93.7

86.8

93.3 93.4 92.6 95.8 94.992.5

* statistically significant

General p= 0,000

Conclusion

• All groups studied increased their knowledge about the process.

• Hospital staff’s awareness in donation is important to avoid misunderstandings with relatives and to create a positive environment inside and outside the hospital.

• The analysis of results allows us to evaluate the effectiveness of the program, with the intention of insisting on its continuous improvement. The results show that training courses for hospital nursing staff should be part of any action plan.

• Although a positive attitude to donation is beneficial, it must be complemented with the appropriate information.