Organ Donation Beliefs and Attitudes

More than 11,000 people need life-saving organ transplants in the United States. On average, 18 people die every day because of the shortage of organ donors. In New York, organ donors both deceased and living are on a decline while the number of patients requiring transplants is steadily growing. Through Joint Commission initiatives that require all hospitals to provide staff education about organ donation, New York Presbyterian (NYP) has the potential to make a difference by educating physicians, nurses, and other direct-patient care providers about enrollment in the New York Donate Life Registry. The team surveyed a select group of nurses, physicians, and ancillary staff employed at selected ICU’s, Emergency Departments, Operating Rooms, and medical-surgical units at the various NYP campuses in order to better understand attitudes and beliefs relating to organ donation, the factors that influence their positions, and any myths or misconceptions that may exist. Recommendations were made to assist in the development of custom educational programs regarding Organ Donation for all employees at NYP.