Analysis of knowledge of the general population and health professionals on organ donation after cardiac death

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the knowledge and acceptance of the public and professionals working in intensive care units regarding organ donation after cardiac death.MethodsThe three hospitals with the most brain death notifications in Curitiba were selected, and two groups of respondents were established for application of the same questionnaire: the general public (i.e., visitors of patients in intensive care units) and health professionals working in the same intensive care unit. The questionnaire contained questions concerning demographics, intention to donate organs and knowledge of current legislation regarding brain death and donation after cardiac death.ResultsIn total, 543 questionnaires were collected, including 442 from family members and 101 from health professionals. There was a predominance of women and Catholics in both groups. More females intended to donate. Health professionals performed better in the knowledge comparison. The intention to donate organs was significantly higher in the health professionals group (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in the intention to donate in terms of education level or income. There was a greater acceptance of donation after uncontrolled cardiac death among Catholics than among evangelicals (p < 0.001).ConclusionMost of the general population intended to donate, with greater intentions expressed by females. Education and income did not affect the decision. The type of transplant that used a donation after uncontrolled cardiac death was not well accepted in the study population, indicating the need for more clarification for its use in our setting.

Percepção de estudantes e médicos sobre autonomia na doação de órgãos

“…However, in this research, women showed greater intention than men (p=0,045). These results corroborate a trend already found among medical students by Chehuen Neto and collaborators 16 , and the general population and health professionals interviewed by Bedenko and collaborators 15 .…”

“…Most respondents correctly indicated family consent as the main organ donation criterion, according to the Brazilian legislation in force. Similar data were found in two other studies, but with a higher number of correct answers, among medical students (85.1%) and health professionals (96%) 15,16 . The greater mastery of students on the guidelines for organ and tissue donation in the country suggests an improvement in the conveying of this content at the medical schools studied.…”

“…Almost all respondents expressed a desire to donate all or some organs. It is common sense that knowledge regarding the importance of this action explains their high adherence, which is higher than that of the general population according to a study carried out in Curitiba, Paraná 15 , and Minas Gerais 6 . However, in this research, women showed greater intention than men (p=0,045).…”

“…Article 14 of the Civil Code 3 , however, supports the will expressed on this matter by the person in life, with the possibility that it will influence the family decision. While comparing research carried out across the country and a more recent one, which took place in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 4 , with data provided by ABTO on family rejection in 2018 8 , it is estimated that the number of people who wish to donate their organs is greater than that of family acceptance (although another study in Curitiba failed to confirm this trend among men) 15 .…”

Ferramenta De Avaliação Da Qualidade: Mapeamento De Sinais Clínicos De Morte Encefálica

“…Além da subnotificação da ME, existem dificuldades das equipes que atuam em Unidades de Pacientes Críticos (UCIs) quanto à identificação, avaliação e validação de pacientes com critérios clínicos para iniciar e executar o diagnóstico de ME (5)(6)(7) , que reforçam a importância da temática.…”