Study of Education Program of In-Hospital Procurement Transplant Coordinators in Japan

Abstract Background As the number of donated organs is still extremely small in Japan compared with other developed countries, in-hospital procurement transplant coordinators (In-Hp PTC) may play an important role in increasing organ donation and making the procurement procedure smoother. In this study, our education program of In-Hp PTC is described. Materials and Methods In May 2012, our department started the In-Hp PTC Education Program. In the first semester, a 2-hour lecture is provided every 2 weeks for 5 months to 15 In-Hp PTCs working near Osaka. In the second semester, 20 lectures were provided for 3 consecutive days to 31 In Hp PTCs, more than 80% of whom work far from Osaka. Lecture topics were the history and current status of organ donation in Japan, social regulation of organ donation, care of transplant recipients, overall procedures of organ donation, the role of In-Hp PTC, donor family care, donor indications, and donor assessment and management. Lectures also included simulations of the organ donation process. Results Participants were surveyed for their opinions after the program, Most participants were satisfied with the program, topics and duration. As most of them are not full-time In-Hp PTCs, they preferred to attend the 3-day program. Many participants are currently working as main In-Hp PTCs and establishing their own organ donation system in their hospital. Conclusions In-Hp PTCs have an important role to play in establishing an organ procurement system and increasing organ donation in Japan. This program may help establish a systematic education program for this occupation in Japan.