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European Journal of Medical Research
Published in: European Journal of Medical Research 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research

Medical students’ education on organ donation and its evaluation during six consecutive years: results of a voluntary, anonymous educational intervention study

Authors: Sonia Radunz, Tamás Benkö, Sabrina Stern, Fuat H Saner, Andreas Paul, Gernot M Kaiser

Published in: European Journal of Medical Research | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

One of the main reasons for organ shortage is insufficient education on organ donation. Knowledgeable medical students could share the information with friends and families resulting in a positive attitude to organ donation of the general public.

Methods

During six consecutive years (2009 to 2014), we conducted a voluntary, anonymous educational intervention study on organ donation among fourth year medical students in the course of the main surgery lecture at the University of Essen, Germany.

Results

Questionnaires of 383 students were analyzed. Prior to the specific lecture on organ donation, 64% of the students carried a signed organ donor card with the intention to donate. Further information regarding organ donation was required by 37% of the students. The request for further information was statistically significantly higher among students without a donor card compared to organ donor card carriers (P < 0.0001). After the lecture, the number of students requiring further information decreased statistically significantly to 19% (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Already a 45-minute lecture for fourth year medical students significantly decreases their request for further information on organ donation and improves their attitude to organ donation. Continued training on organ donation will help medical students to become disseminators for this important topic in our society.
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Metadata
Title
Medical students’ education on organ donation and its evaluation during six consecutive years: results of a voluntary, anonymous educational intervention study
Authors
Sonia Radunz
Tamás Benkö
Sabrina Stern
Fuat H Saner
Andreas Paul
Gernot M Kaiser
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
European Journal of Medical Research / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 2047-783X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-015-0116-6

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