title: From hesitation to appreciation: the transformation of a single, local donation-nurse project into an established organ-donation service.
abstract: This study evaluates the transition from a local project to promote organ donation to a permanent county-based donation service inspired by the Spanish model. To address the problem of declining donation rates, a project with one donation-specialized nurse (DOSS) was initiated at a single neuro-intensive care unit. This project was later expanded into a permanent on-call service consisting of seven DOSSes, covering a large urban county. During the different periods (before, during project and during permanent service), the DOSS function's effect on donation rates was significant, and the number of eligible donors that became actual donors increased from 37% to 73% and 74%, respectively. The effect on family vetoes was as prominent with a decrease from 34% to 8% and 14%. The staff appreciation of the DOSS function was also evident during the periods; all areas included in the questionnaire (family care, donor care and staff support) have improved greatly owing to the DOSS. The transition from a single, local donation-nurse project, to an on-call service with several DOSSes covering a large urban county was a success considering the donation rates as well as the staff's appreciation. Hence, organizational models from abroad can be adjusted and successfully adopted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Social Work, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Science Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institut, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gyllström Krekula
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Malenicka
authors.forename: Anders
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nydahl
authors.forename: Annika
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tibell
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
keywords: donation rates; donor relatives; intensive care staff; organ donation; questionnaire