The development and facilitation of an organ donation education workshop for perioperative nurses.

Paula Lyons¹, Jo Sanders¹, Leanne McEvoy¹

¹DonateLife Victoria, DonateLife, Carlton, Australia

The role of the perioperative nurse is essential to the success of the organ retrieval process and dignified care of the donor. From the literature and anecdotal evidence, it was identified in 2011 that many perioperative nurses found their role in organ retrieval emotionally and professionally challenging. In response, a theatre specific workshop was planned at DonateLife in Victoria, with a focus on providing education, support strategies and networking opportunities. 

A full day workshop was trialled in October 2011 with content specific to the role of the perioperative nurse, a comprehensive overview of the donation process, and donor family and recipient experiences. Topics included brain death declaration, dealing with death in the operating suite and perioperative nurses presenting on their experiences with organ donation. Group sessions highlighted local organisational and cultural challenges and corresponding support strategies. 32 perioperative nurses attended from a variety of Victorian metropolitan and regional centres. 

Participant evaluations were overwhelming positive with results stating the workshop filled a significant gap in education and support in this challenging area of practice. 100% of attendees stated they would recommend the workshop to their colleagues. Due to participant evaluations, registration demand and support from Victorian operating theatres, the theatre specific workshop has been facilitated quarterly at DonateLife Victoria. This workshop has highlighted the need for comprehensive theatre specific education in local hospitals and informed the facilitation of local workshops by the DonateLife network.

An organ donation education workshop specific for perioperative nurses can successfully inform and support perioperative nurses through the organ donation process. This workshop has assisted Victorian nurses to be prepared, supported and comfortable in their role in organ retrieval.