Organ transplantation: understanding of students from the Medicine and Nursing courses

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the research was to discuss the knowledge presented by the Nursing and Medical course students on the organ transplantation. Method: This study is characterized as a descriptive field research with quantitative approach assessing the understanding of Nursing and Medical students about organ transplantation. The survey was conducted at the Nova Esperança (FAMENE / FACENE) and Maurício de Nassau Colleges in the city of João Pessoa. The population was composed by students of the 2nd and 8th periods of each course of the above mentioned educational institutions. The sample consisted of one hundred and twenty (120) students. The chosen instrument for the data collection was a two-part structured questionnaire that showed the identification data of the participants and data related to their knowledge on organ transplantation. After the project was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee FACENE / FAMENE, the data collection was performed along October of 2015. Data were tabulated and statistically analyzed by using the SPSS statistical software (18th version). The study followed the ethical aspects recommended by the CNS Resolution no. 466/2012, as well as the CFM Resolution 1931/2009, Chapter XII. Results: The survey found that about 50% students did not have sufficient knowledge on the brain death diagnosis, and 85.5% is not aware on the National Transplant System; thus implying a negative dynamics in relation to the organ transplantation process. The research results suggest that the institutions should review their curriculum contents on such subjects. Conclusion: The lack of information on this issue makes thousands of professionals are not interested in the area neither get involved in the cause, thus contributing for the loss of viable organs and consequently in the death of people who could be treated.