Knowledge Levels of Non-Healthcare Staff Working in Intensive Care Units Regarding Organ Donation and Brain Death
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Abstract
Aim: This study was designed to determine the knowledge levels of non-healthcare staff working in intensive care units regarding organ donation and brain death.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among non-healthcare staff working in the intensive care units of Dokuz Eylul University Hospital. A total of 100 participants were included. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes toward organ donation, along with the 17-item Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Knowledge Level Scale. Descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and multiple linear regression analysis were used for data analysis.
Results: Most participants correctly identified the definitions of organ donation (97%) and brain death (96%). However, only 59% correctly distinguished brain death from coma or vegetative state. High rates of incorrect and uncertain responses were observed for negatively worded items. Total scale scores did not differ significantly according to demographic or clinical characteristics (all p>0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that none of the examined variables independently predicted total knowledge scores.
Conclusions: Non-healthcare staff working in intensive care units demonstrated adequate basic awareness of organ donation and brain death; however, substantial knowledge gaps remain regarding the clinical and legal aspects of the organ donation process. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive, continuous, and practice-oriented educational programs encompassing all personnel working in intensive care units to improve organ donation rates.
