Organ Donation: From Death to Life from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Brain Death and Consent

Welcome to the first week of Organ Donation - From Death to Life. In our first lesson we cover the two absolute prerequisites for deceased organ donation: That the donor must be dead and that there must be consent. Our second lesson takes a look at the history of, and the actual mechanism of brain death as well as the story behind the first heart donor. While our third lesson reviews in detail the scientific determination of brain death, from the preconditions that must be met before testing, to the actual tests themselves, including the role of ancillary tests. Our final lesson will look at the consent process, how to communicate effectively with a grieving family and what is the best way to make the organ donor request.

Donation after Circulatory Death

Not all end of life decisions in the Intensive Care Unit and the discussions that go with them can rely on the clarity of a brain death diagnosis. Just under half of all deaths in Intensive Care Units involve non-beneficial treatment being withdrawn or withheld. In less well resourced countries limited access to ICU means these decisions as to when treatment is futile frequently occur earlier, outside of the ICU setting. In week 2 we will discuss end of life care and the ethical principles which help guide us in making difficult decisions in the ICU. What do we do when interventions may prolong suffering with no reasonable chance of recovery? We will see how the dead donor rule can be applied after circulatory arrest and that in certain patients it may be possible to honour their wish to be an organ donor. We will cover the different types of donation after circulatory arrest and go over the process of donation after circulatory death in detail. We will end the week by covering tissue donation and what happens to the body of the donor after the organ donor operation is complete.

The Organ Donation Process

Who can donate? What can be donated? In this week you will learn that the number of potential organ donors is far larger than you ever thought. In the first lesson we look at the organ donation process in detail. We cover the assessment of a donor in terms of infection and malignancy risk and how individual organs are assessed for potential transplant. We look at the monitoring and interventions required to achieve various physiological goals in the organ donor. Managing a potential donor well and dealing with the complications associated with brain death is essential to maximizing the number of organs that are transplantable. It is not markedly different from any critically ill patient with multi-organ failure. We then look at the organ recovery process and how the organs are preserved and transported to the various recipients. In the second lesson the waiting list and allocation practices are discussed in detail so that you can see how donated organs are allocated fairly and how the benefit is maximized. We end the week with an overview of what each recipient operation entails and show you four interviews - all recipients of an organ transplant - given a new lease on life because of one brain dead donor and a family who consented to organ donation in a time of great personal tragedy.

Ethical Issues in Transplantation

Congratulations! You've reached the final week of the course Organ Donation: From Death to Life. Many factors influence organ donation rates across the world - from religion and culture to where you live and what resources are available. In our final week we will take a look at the role of money and travel in organ transplantation and show you the steps being taken to stamp out organ trafficking and transplant tourism. Dr Boitumelo Nkgudi a colleague of mine from Department of Surgery will speak to us on the influence that different religions and cultures have on organ donation. Organ donation comes with a lot of stigma and religious and cultural competence is essential to connecting with potential donor families before asking for consent for organ donation. We will end off our last week by looking at how to assess the true potential of deceased organ donation, what deceased organ donation models exist, and possible strategies to improve them including improving public awareness. Nobody can do everything when it comes to transplantation - but everybody can do something… Enjoy the last week of the course.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a clear understanding of the science behind death determination and organ donation, which is essential for medical professionals involved in end-of-life care and organ transplantation

Taught by experts in the field, including David Thomson, a renowned professor of surgery and organ donation

Covers both brain death and donation after circulatory death, providing a comprehensive understanding of end-of-life organ donation

Examines ethical issues in organ donation, such as cultural and religious considerations, fostering empathy and cultural sensitivity among learners

Provides insights into the logistics and processes involved in organ donation, equipping learners with practical knowledge for navigating end-of-life situations

Empowers medical professionals to effectively communicate with families about organ donation, promoting informed consent and end-of-life decision-making

Reviews summary

Recipient perspectives on organ donation

Learners say this Organ Donation: From Death to Life course has largely positive reviews. According to students, this engaging course shines because of its professionally prepared videos, well-organized content, and informative interviews with recipients that have had organ transplants, making it stand out as well received. The course also goes into great detail about the medical, ethical, and cultural considerations surrounding organ donation.

Overall, this course is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about organ donation and transplantation, regardless of their background or experience level.

Well-organized content

"The course has been very comprehensive with an holistic approach to organ donation."

Well-produced, professional videos

"Videos are very well done, the course is structured into reasonable chunks of content and the quizzes are relevant and stimulating."

Raises awareness of recipient perspectives

"The good part was the actual organ recepient interviews which are important for organ donation awareness"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Organ Donation: From Death to Life with these activities:

Re-read about brain death

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Review the scientific definitions of brain death and the history behind medical observations of this phenomenon.

Browse courses on Brain Death

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Read textbook chapters on brain death
Go to the course website and review the definitions of brain death

Case Studies in Brain Death Situations

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Understand how medical professionals decide on whether a patient is brain dead and how to communicate with family members.

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Review the course lecture on brain death determination
Work through 2-3 case studies in the course materials

Interview a Medical Professional About Brain Death

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Deepen your understanding of brain death from the perspective of a medical professional.

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Identify a medical professional who can provide insights about brain death
Prepare questions to ask the medical professional about brain death
Conduct the interview
Create a summary of the interview and share it.

Three other activities

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Attend a Workshop on Organ Donation

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Learn about the process of organ donation and how to make informed decisions about it.

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Find a workshop on organ donation in your area
Attend the workshop

Develop an Organ Donation Information Pamphlet

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Increase awareness about organ donation and encourage informed decision-making.

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Gather information about organ donation from reliable sources
Organize the information into a clear and concise format
Design an attractive and informative pamphlet
Print and distribute the pamphlet in your community

Organize a Blood Drive or Organ Donor Registry Campaign

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Make a tangible impact by organizing a community event that promotes organ donation.

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Contact your local blood bank or organ donor registry
Plan the event
Promote the event in the community
Host the event

Career center

Learners who complete Organ Donation: From Death to Life will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Medical Doctor

Medical Doctors provide medical care to patients through the use of current knowledge and technology to ensure the best health outcomes for patients. This course is directly related to the medical field as it explores the intricacies of organ donation, a crucial aspect of healthcare practice. By gaining a deeper understanding of organ donation, Medical Doctors can enhance their decision-making processes, communicate effectively with families of potential donors, and make informed judgments regarding the allocation of organs.

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Organ Procurement Coordinator

Organ Procurement Coordinators facilitate the process of organ donation by working with hospitals, families, and transplant teams. This course aligns directly with the responsibilities of Organ Procurement Coordinators as it provides a comprehensive overview of the organ donation process, including the assessment of potential donors, obtaining consent from families, and coordinating the recovery and transportation of organs. By completing this course, Organ Procurement Coordinators can enhance their knowledge and skills in this specialized field, enabling them to effectively navigate the complexities of organ donation and maximize the number of organs available for transplantation.

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Bioethicist

Bioethicists analyze the ethical implications of biological advances and healthcare practices. This course is highly relevant to Bioethicists as it explores the ethical issues surrounding organ donation, including the principles of informed consent, the allocation of scarce resources, and the impact of cultural and religious beliefs on end-of-life decisions. By engaging with the content of this course, Bioethicists can deepen their understanding of the complex ethical considerations in organ donation and contribute to the development of ethical guidelines and policies that ensure fair and equitable access to organ transplantation.

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Tissue Bank Technician

Tissue Bank Technicians process and preserve tissues for transplantation or research. This course offers valuable insights for Tissue Bank Technicians as it covers the assessment and handling of organs and tissues in the context of organ donation. By understanding the medical criteria and ethical considerations involved in organ donation, Tissue Bank Technicians can contribute to the safe and effective recovery, preservation, and distribution of tissues for transplantation purposes.

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Surgeon

Surgeons perform surgical procedures to treat diseases or injuries, often specializing in a specific area of the body or type of surgery. This course is highly relevant to Surgeons as it provides insights into the medical standards at the end of life and the logistics of the organ donation process. This knowledge is essential for Surgeons who may be involved in organ donation procedures and can help them optimize the success of these procedures, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.

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Nurse

Nurses provide direct patient care and work alongside doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure the well-being of patients. This course is valuable for Nurses as it equips them with knowledge about brain death determination, consent processes, and the ethical considerations surrounding organ donation. By understanding these aspects, Nurses can play a vital role in supporting families during the challenging time of end-of-life decisions and provide compassionate care to both patients and their loved ones.

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Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants practice medicine under the supervision of a physician, providing a wide range of healthcare services. This course is beneficial for Physician Assistants as it enhances their understanding of organ donation and transplantation, including the medical criteria for organ donation, the consent process, and the ethical implications involved. With this knowledge, Physician Assistants can effectively assist physicians in managing end-of-life care, providing support to families, and ensuring the smooth coordination of organ donation procedures.

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Medical Researcher

Medical Researchers design and conduct studies to advance medical knowledge and improve healthcare practices. This course may be useful for Medical Researchers interested in organ donation and transplantation as it provides a foundation in the scientific principles and ethical considerations involved in this field. By engaging with the content of this course, Medical Researchers can gain insights that can inform their research projects and contribute to the development of innovative approaches to organ donation and transplantation.

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Health Educator

Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. This course may be useful for Health Educators specializing in organ donation as it provides a comprehensive overview of the medical, ethical, and social aspects of organ donation. By engaging with the content of this course, Health Educators can enhance their knowledge and skills in educating the public about organ donation, dispelling myths and misconceptions, and encouraging informed decision-making.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and assistance to individuals and families facing challenges. This course may be useful for Social Workers who work with families and individuals affected by organ donation or transplantation. By understanding the complexities of organ donation, Social Workers can provide emotional support, practical guidance, and advocacy for families navigating the challenges and opportunities associated with organ donation and transplantation.

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Clergy Member

Clergy Members provide spiritual guidance and support to individuals and families. This course may be useful for Clergy Members who work with individuals and families facing end-of-life decisions, including organ donation. By understanding the medical, ethical, and religious considerations surrounding organ donation, Clergy Members can provide compassionate and informed support to those they serve, guiding them through difficult conversations and helping them to make decisions that align with their values and beliefs.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts research, analyze, and evaluate health policies and programs. This course may be useful for Health Policy Analysts as it provides insights into the policy landscape surrounding organ donation and transplantation. By understanding the challenges and opportunities in this field, Health Policy Analysts can contribute to the development and implementation of policies that promote organ donation, increase access to transplantation, and improve the overall health outcomes for patients in need.

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Nonprofit Program Manager

Nonprofit Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate programs and services for nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful for Nonprofit Program Managers working in the field of organ donation and transplantation. By understanding the complexities of organ donation, Nonprofit Program Managers can effectively design and manage programs that raise awareness, promote organ donation, and support families affected by organ donation or transplantation.

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Funeral Director

Funeral Directors assist families in planning and carrying out funerals and memorial services. This course may be useful for Funeral Directors who work with families who have experienced the death of a loved one and are considering organ donation. By understanding the medical and ethical aspects of organ donation, Funeral Directors can provide informed guidance and support to families during this difficult time, helping them to make informed decisions and navigate the process of organ donation with dignity and compassion.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Administrators oversee the operations and management of healthcare facilities and organizations. This course may be useful for Healthcare Administrators responsible for organ donation programs or initiatives within their organizations. By understanding the medical, ethical, and logistical aspects of organ donation, Healthcare Administrators can effectively plan, implement, and evaluate programs that maximize organ donation rates and improve patient outcomes.

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