658 Adolescent-Targeted Organ Donation Education to Improve the Impact of Opt-Out Legislation

Abstract

Abstract Aim Opt-out organ donation legislation in the UK has not led to sustained improvements in donation rates. Given poor familial authorisation rates (66% in 2021-2022) in the soft opt-out model, altering public perceptions of organ donation, through means including engaging young people and promoting family discussion, are prerequisites for successful legislation changes. We explore the impact of an educational intervention on organ donation, family discussions and knowledge of the opt-out law. Method We delivered a 15-minute educational presentation, along with an optional questionnaire, to UK secondary schools across five counties between Jan-May 2022. Results 616 students aged 11-18 years (mean 14.6±1.9) completed the survey. Following the intervention, the proportion of individuals on/planning to join the ODR increased from 9% to 31%. Of the remaining students, 48% said they would consider joining. Pre-intervention, 58% of adolescents agreed they had knowledge of organ donation, which increased to 85% post-intervention. Originally, 28% knew about the opt-out law, this increased to 77% post-intervention. The proportion of students that expressed knowledge of issues relating to organ donation in Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities, increased from 27% to 72% post-intervention. 28% had previously discussed organ donation with family, whilst 70% intended to do so post-intervention. 91% of responders would or would consider recommending the presentation to their peers. Conclusions Educational intervention increased adolescent understanding of organ donation, opt-out legislation, and intention to join the ODR and discuss donation with family. Through promoting wider public discussions, adolescent educational interventions can positively impact public perceptions of organ donation.