Increasing the participation of intensive care unit nurses to promote deceased donor organ donation.

INTRODUCTION: Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses are viewed to have an important role in identifying potential donors to increase the donor pool. Our objectives were to assess their knowledge about organ donation, their attitudes concerning their presumed role in organ donation, and their motivation toward a more prominent role by 3 questionnaires administered before and after training on promotion of organ donation.

METHODS: Twelve nurses from 3 different ICU departments were selected to participate in a prospective evaluation. Their perceptions and attitudes on organ donation were assessed by means of 3 questionnaire forms that focused on "knowledge of organ donation," "attitudes toward endorsement of organ donation," and "motivation in promoting organ donation." Two video-illustrated lectures were given. A re-evaluation using the same 3 questionnaire forms was done to analyze the effect of training on their knowledge, attitude, and motivation.

RESULTS: A marked gain in knowledge (P<.001), change in attitude (P<.001), and increase in motivation (P<.001) were seen after training. Nurses understood the need to promote organ donation and the crucial role of nurses in early detection of possible deceased organ donors. They agreed to encourage the patients' relatives consent to donation of their beloved one's organs.

CONCLUSION: Active participation of ICU nurses in the identification of potential deceased donor organs and their direct participation in organ procurement though continuous re-education and video- illustrated lectures may promote an increased number of deceased donor organs.