Organ and tissue donation for transplant: Under the view of the of nursing academics

Abstract

In Brazil the need for transplants has been growing and nurses are responsible by several actions in the different stages of this process; along the training, it is relevant to be aware of the aspects involved. Purpose: to characterize the knowledge of the academic nursing from a undergraduate course in Joinville/SC on organ and tissue donation for transplants. Methods: qualitative descriptive research conducted with 152 participants enrolled from the first to the fifth year of the course. Data collected by means of questionnaires with open and closed questions answered in their own handwriting during the period of classes. Content analysis was performed in the thematic analysis modality. Results: the following categories emerged from the interpretation: reflection on the organ and tissue donation process for transplants in a favorable way; the process of organ and tissue donation as a life-saving act of solidarity and technological advancement; the information services articulation to clarify the population; training of nurses as a strategy to expand the transplantation and donation process. Conclusion: it was observed that the academics are aware on the subject, identifying the organ feasibility; which ones can be transplanted; diseases restricting the donation, among other information. In general, it is deemed necessary to approach the theme along the training. It is supposed that courses might develop educational tools to address the issue.