Uncovering Work-Related Issues Among Canadian Organ Donation Coordinators: A National Mixed-Methods Study

Objectives: To investigate work-related issues and associated factors among organ donation coordinators in Canada. Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods (QUAN-qual) design was used, incorporating a cross-sectional survey investigating demographic data, burnout in the work–life context, professional quality of life, and moral distress, and semi-structured qualitative interviews. Results: Of 175 eligible coordinators in Canada, 120 responded to the survey, and 39 were interviewed. The sample was predominantly female (n = 98; 82.4%) and composed mostly of registered nurses (n = 117; 97.5%). The average age of respondents was 41.8 years (Standard Deviation = 9.64). Survey findings indicated high levels of emotional exhaustion, moderate levels of depersonalization, moderate levels of burnout, and moderate levels of compassion fatigue. Notably, 70% (n = 84) of participants reported having considered leaving their role. Conclusions: This study’s findings highlight that Canadian organ donation coordinators experience moderate levels of burnout and compassion fatigue, alongside moral distress and substantial consideration of leaving the role. The qualitative findings further identified organizational, workload-related, and ethical contexts in which these experiences occur. Together, these findings highlight occupational strain among Canadian organ donation coordinators and support further investigation of organizational and workforce approaches to coordinator well-being.