Abstract:

Background:
Knowledge transfer and development of professional competences in organ donation are key factors to maximize donor potentiality and conversion rates.
Launched in 1991 under the auspice of Universitat de Barcelona (UB) and with the support of the Organización Nacional de Trasplantes (ONT), Transplant Procurement Management (TPM) acquired soon an international dimension, due to the increasing demand in deceased donation programs. In 1994 it gained the recognition of the Transplant Committee of Council of Europe and was awarded “Education and Training in Transplantation” by “The Transplantation Society” (TTS) in 2008.

Along over 25 years, TPM has organized 304 face-to-face training courses (131 advanced, 93 intermediate & 80 introductory) in 44 countries. The contents are mainly on organ donation (279), others are specifically on tissue banking & cell therapies (16), on donation after circulatory death (7) and on leadership & quality management (2). Until now, 12801 participants from 110 countries have been trained in the face-to-face modality.

TPM has designed & implemented the educational part of some projects funded by the European Commission, like ETPOD, EMPODaT, KeTLOD, SEELIFE, EUDONORGAN & ODISSeA.

Methods:
TPM applies the “Learning by doing” proactive training (D.Kolb) proved to increase knowledge retention rate up to 75%. It uses face-to face, on-line & blended learning modalities and covers the main scientific & technical aspects of organ & tissue donation. It counts with a wide network of international experts & adapt the training activities to the local educational needs, language, legislation and current medical practice. TPM has designed and constantly updated its course contents developing a wide range of educational material like: manuals, software and technical equipment for practical sessions.

The aim of this study is focused on the 25 editions of the face-to-face advanced international course held in Spain twice a year –one in Spanish & another in English– as it is the flagship TPM training program to analyze the profile & satisfaction of the participants to implement improving measures in the training programs abroad.

Results:
In the English language version of the course, 24 editions have been developed since 1994. Overall level of satisfaction is 4.37/5. 1169 participants have taken the program. The most common background was “medicine” (56,66%). According to their specialities, Transplant Coordination was the most frequent (26,57%), followed by Anaesthesiology (19,21%).

In the Spanish language version, 29 editions have been developed since 1991. Overall level of satisfaction is 4.35/5. 1266 participants have taken the program. The most common background was “medicine” (80,36%). According to their specialities, Intensive Care was the most frequent (45,79%), followed by Nephrology and Transplant Coordination (11,38% respectively).

Conclusions:
Although multifactor approaches are needed to tackle organ donation, training of professionals is highlighted as a major factor in improving the number & quality of organs and tissues for transplantation. TPM educational model based on a successful teaching methodology provides an excellent framework to develop worldwide networks of donation professionals. By promoting and implementing effective training programmes in organ donation, TPM aims at raising awareness among professionals, solving organ shortage % increasing donation parameters worldwide.

Keywords:

Organ donation, face-to-face, proactive.