Role of Specialized Training Programs in Organ Donation: Pedagogical Approach

Abstract

Organ transplantation is a consolidated medical practice of unquestionable clinical effectiveness in an era where the number of patients affected by pathologies such as diabetes, hypertension, hepatitis, cardio-vascular disease etc. continues to increase each year, in such a way that the need for organs for transplantation increases progressively. Although the number of transplants is growing annually around the world and there are about 130,000 transplants of solid organs performed each year, these procedures cover only 10% of the world's needs, leading to the death of many patients on the waiting lists. The present PhD dissertation aims at proving through two complementary research studies the efficiency of specialized training in terms of professional competence development of health care professionals active in organ donation and as a result, of increased organ donation activity.