gms | German Medical Science

Introduction: The persisting shortage of organs for transplantation could be minimized by an increased number of individuals declaring their intentions regarding organ donation on donor cards. Carrying an organ donor card confirms the actual attitude to organ donation and could spare one's relatives possibly difficult decisions in a potential donor situation.

Material and methods: A short information campaign and a voluntary survey to compare professional and public attitudes to organ donation were conducted among staff and visitors at the University Hospital Essen, Germany, during three years.

Results: All surveys comprised 407 questionnaires. Of the respondents, 340 were staff members and 67 were visitors. Statistically significantly more staff members carried an organ donor card (68% vs. 36% of visitors). Statistically significantly more visitors received first time information regarding organ donation (28% vs. 8% of staff members). The need for further information regarding organ donation was statistically significantly higher among visitors (34% vs. 19% among staff members). Over time, the number of staff members who wished for further information regarding organ donation decreased statistically significantly. Persisting unwillingness to carry an organ donor card in the future remained 6% in both groups.

Conclusion: Hospital staff demonstrates a statistically significantly higher willingness to carry an organ donor card compared to the general population in our study group. However, hospital staff still also needs education concerning organ donation. Knowledge remains the main barrier to favourable attitudes to organ donation. Efforts must be aimed at improving education on organ donation and increasing transparency of transplant medicine.