A cross-sectional study of medical students to assess their exposure to and knowledge of renal transplantation. Attitudes and perception about organ donation and transplantation. Future implications?

Abstract

Background: Organ shortage is a major limiting factor for organ transplantation. Public behaviour towards organ donation and transplantation (ODT) can be positively influenced by health care professionals. Knowledge and attitudes are better shaped at an earlier educational stage. Hence, this study surveys knowledge, exposure to and attitudes towards ODT whilst evaluating educational needs of medicine students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was delivered online to 285 sixth-year medicine students from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP) between November 2021 and February 2022. The survey consisted on 5 main sections: socio-demographic variables; knowledge about ODT; exposure to ODT; perceptions and attitudes towards ODT and students' curriculum perception. Results: Of the 180 responses (63%), 66% had previous education. A vast majority (93,4%) knew about different donor kinds and about the legal framework (97, 2%). Nonetheless, 43,3% had no knowledge about an organ shortage. Education and discussing ODT amongst their families correlated positively with knowledge about ODT. Despite a positive attitude (99,4%) not even half had discussed ODT with their relatives (45%). Finally, a majority consider their exposure inadequate (53,9%) and their knowledge subpar (59,5%), with 89,5% agreeing that ODT should be in the obligatory curriculum.

Conclusions: This cross-sectional study highlighted a level of exposure to and knowledge of ODT that is subpar, notwithstanding a positive attitude accompanied by a willingness to integrate it in the obligatory curriculum. Future doctors ought to be given the knowledge to support ODT and have their attitudes positively shaped allowing them to advocate for it.