Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Organ Transplantation and Procurement in Junior Trainees: Nationwide Survey of Junior Doctors: 1257

Introduction: The shortage of organ donors remains a fundamental problem in the United Kingdom. Many recommendations have been put forward to improve this. Improving the understanding and education of clinical personnel, particularly those in training, is vital to the success of campaigns to increase organ donation. In order to do this, one must have an understanding of the attitudes and perceptions of this target group, to identify if they would be receptive to more training in the field of transplantation. Methods: This is one half of a two-part questionnaire. A 36-item anonymous questionnaire exploring attitudes and personal views towards organ donation and transplantation was distributed electronically to 1696 junior doctors (809 FYs and 887 Core trainees). The questionnaire explored some basic perceptions and gathered opinion on some controversial issues. Results: 194 responded (11.4%). Majority of responders were White British (68%) females (65%) aged 25-30 years (57%). Foundation Trainees were more likely to respond (75%) than Core Trainees. Only 27% had previous exposure to transplant surgery, and 9% had a friend or relative who has been a transplant donor or recipient. Most trainees understood brain stem death (69%) but only 78% accepted them as being truly dead. 73% were supportive of an opt-out system, and only 35% felt that it is unreasonable to approach a grieving family to make a decision about organ donation. The majority of responders were happy to donate (85%) a kidney to family/friend and receive an organ in the event of organ failure (89%), and 90% agreed that transplant does improve the quality of life of an individual in organ failure. Only 29% disagreed with liver transplantation for those with liver failure secondary to alcohol or recreation drug abuse. 68% agreed with altruistic donation, and 78% were against paid donation. Most perceived exploitation of the poor as a more negative process, rather than mutual gain to donor and recipient. 86% also disagreed with directed donation. Conclusions: The results reflect a very positive outlook towards organ transplantation, with the majority feeling that transplantation improves the patient's quality of life and the majority being on the organ donor register. Most responders said that they would feel comfortable discussing the issue of organ donation to a patient or a grieving family. The positive attitude amongst junior doctors towards organ donation and transplantation shows that this is a receptive audience for further education and training in donor identification. By understanding the overall attitudes and opinions, we can direct this training in an appropriate manner and at an appropriate level.