Design and implementation of the European‐Mediterranean Postgraduate Programme on Organ Donation and Transplantation (EMPODaT) for Middle East/North Africa countries

Abstract

Summary This prospective study reports the design and results obtained after the EMPODaT project implementation. This project was funded by the Tempus programme of the European Commission with the objective to implement a common postgraduate programme on organ donation and transplantation (ODT) in six selected universities from Middle East/North Africa (MENA) countries (Egypt, Lebanon and Morocco). The consortium, coordinated by the University of Barcelona, included universities from Spain, Germany, Sweden and France. The first phase of the project was to perform an analysis of the current situation in the beneficiary countries, including existing training programmes on ODT, Internet connection, digital facilities and competences, training needs, and ODT activity and accreditation requirements. A total of 90 healthcare postgraduate students participated in the 1‐year training programme (30 ECTS academic credits). The methodology was based on e‐learning modules and face‐to‐face courses in English and French. Training activities were evaluated through pre‐ and post‐tests, self‐assessment activities and evaluation charts. Quality was assessed through questionnaires and semi‐structured interviews. The project results on a reproducible and innovative international postgraduate programme, improvement of knowledge, satisfaction of the participants and confirms the need on professionalizing the activity as the cornerstone to ensure organ transplantation self‐sufficiency in MENA countries.

Outcome analysis of brain-death referral to NOD-Lb: A retrospective chart review of a single hospital experience over 3 years

“…This project resulted in improvement of the healthcare sciences postgraduate students’ knowledge of living and deceased organ donation topics in the three countries. However, the impact of this training on organ donation and transplantation practice couldn’t be demonstrated due to the lack of reliable quality improvement protocols in these countries [ 27 ]. Moreover, prior and throughout the study period, NOD-Lb has maintained its annual program of educating, raising awareness and supporting hospitals involved in the organ and tissue donation program.…”

“Train the Trainers” Program to Improve Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions About Organ Donation in the European Union and Neighbouring Countries: Pre- and Post- Data Analysis of the EUDONORGAN Project

“…As in previous EU-funded training projects, such as ETPOD (25) and EMPODaT (26), the methodology used was blended learning defined in this project as the appropriate mix and use of face-to-face instructional methods and various learning technologies to support planned learning and foster subsequent learning outcomes (27). EUDONORGAN provided an innovative dimension with the use of an instructional delivery method consisting of computer-based training or WebApp with the application of the main adult learning principles in that consider the learner's role is not only to receive knowledge but also to search, challenge, construct knowledge and change their own perception, views, and beliefs (28).…”