Translating Knowledge About Organ and Tissue Donation Using Webinars: An Exploratory Study In Italy

Abstract

Organ transplant is considered a life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage diseases. The knowledge of the population and their opinions can influence the willingness of family members and patients to consent to organ and tissue donation. This work aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a webinar intervention as a knowledge translation tool on the Italian population's knowledge and attitudes related to organ and tissue donation. The study used an interventional methodology, analyzing the results of a webinar event lasting 120 minutes organized and managed by 4 experienced professionals in collaboration with the National Association of Donors. Evaluation of customer satisfaction at the end of the webinar was assessed, along with the impact of the event on the participants' perceived knowledge and attitudes. The overall evaluation of the webinar can be considered satisfactory, and the webinar stood as a valid knowledge translation tool. The intervention significantly improved perceived knowledge, attitudes, and propensity to donate. The analysis showed that the difference between brain death and coma was still doubtful. A short webinar course was effective and appreciated by the participants, representing a valid knowledge translation tool and an alternative to in-presence training on specific topics that require the creation of a real "culture of donation."