#2085 Breaking barriers- understanding organ donation perceptions in the Indian transplant community

Abstract Background and Aims Organ donation is a critical aspect of healthcare, playing a pivotal role in enhancing patient outcomes for individuals suffering from organ failure. This study aimed to assess the perception and pledge for organ donation among transplant professionals in India, shedding light on their attitudes, knowledge, and practices. The investigation is aligned with the Government of India's commitment to promoting organ donation, particularly highlighted by the declaration of the National Organ Donation Day on August 3rd. Method A comprehensive questionnaire was administered to 218 transplant professionals via Google Forms. The survey covered aspects of awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and personal experiences related to organ donation. The data collection took place in accordance with ethical standards. Results The demographic analysis of 218 respondents revealed a median age of 34 years, indicating a predominantly middle-aged participant pool. Among them, 169 were male, and the majority held positions as transplant coordinators, senior residents, faculty, or medical officers. Additionally, a significant portion (174/218) reported having < 5 years of experience in field of transplantation. The study uncovered a commendable level of familiarity with the concept of deceased organ donation, with 184 out of 218 respondents acknowledging their understanding of this field. Furthermore, a substantial portion (163 out of 218) indicated their awareness of process involved in taking a pledge for organ donation. The study also noted that 176 out of 218 respondents were informed about new National Organ Donation Day, as declared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. When asked to identify barriers to organ donation, respondents cited lack of trust in the medical system as the most prevalent factor (81/218). Cultural or religious beliefs and lack of awareness followed closely, with 62 and 31 respondents respectively pointing them out as significant obstacles. The study shed light on the real-world impact of organ shortages, with 197 out of 218 respondents affirming that they had encountered situations where the lack of available organs adversely affected patient outcomes. Regarding strategies to encourage individuals to pledge for organ donation, respondents emphasized effectiveness of education and awareness campaigns (147/228). Personal testimonials and success stories were also identified as influential, garnering agreement from 60 out of 228 participants. On a personal level, a substantial number (144/228) of respondents reported having pledged to donate their organs after death. The methods of making such pledges varied, with 99 individuals opting for the online NOTTO form, 56 choosing driving license form, and 40 filling out dedicated organ donation pledge form. Family discussions regarding organ donation were found to be relatively common, with 158 out of 228 respondents indicating that they had engaged in conversations with their family members on this topic. For those who had not discussed organ donation with their families, reasons included perceived conflict of interest (106/228), concerns about personal privacy and autonomy (45/228), and the emotional burden associated with such conversations (42/228). A significant majority (207/218) of respondents expressed willingness to actively advocate for organ donation and raise awareness among the public, highlighting a potential avenue for future initiatives. Conclusion This study provides crucial insights into the perceptions and practices of transplant professionals in India regarding organ donation. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address barriers, enhance awareness, and foster open conversations within the professional community. The willingness of transplant professionals to actively advocate for organ donation offers promising opportunities for future initiatives. By understanding the dynamics surrounding organ donation, this research contributes to ongoing efforts to cultivate a culture of donation in India, ultimately improving organ donation rates and saving lives.