I'm 75 years old and have diabetes; can I be an organ donor?
If a patient comes to you seeking information, will you be able to answer questions about organ and tissue donation? Gain the knowledge and confidence to deal with common patient questions regarding organ and tissue donation.
Resources for the GP and practice nurse
These resources have been designed for GPs, practice nurses and health professionals to facilitate a better understanding of the process of organ and tissue donation in Australia. The organ and tissue donation rate in Australia is one of the lowest in the Western world. While demand for transplants increases, the donation rate in Australia remains unchanged for various reasons. The Organ and Tissue Authority is implementing the Australian Government’s national reform program on organ and tissue donation to increase donation rates.
In aiming to optimise the donation rate, it is vital to keep the issue of donation for transplantation on the community agenda in a positive light. One way to do that is to provide general practitioners (GPs) with information that will assist them to confidently discuss this subject with their patients. GPs are recognised as reliable and knowledgeable sources of information and can play an important role in encouraging their patients to consider organ and tissue donation.
Related links
Why is it important for GPs to be well informed about organ donation?
Fast facts on organ and tissue donation
A quick clinical update on organ and tissue donation
Health professionals involved in donation
A story about Brendan, who was an organ and tissue donor
Wayne's story about being and organ and tissue donation recipient
Further Information regarding organ and tissue donation for the GP
The Australian Organ Donor Register
Further Reading on organ and tissue donation
Learning goals include:
- Be familiar with common patient questions and the answers
- Know the criteria for donor eligibility and exclusion
- Be familiar with the processes for determining brain death
- Identify the benefits for the recipient, donor family and community
- Understand the organ and tissue donation process including management, retrieval and allocation of organs
- Be able to facilitate the registration process
- Be able to implement a systematic approach for providing patients with information through the fact sheets provided on this website.
Other training modules
FREE Australian online education modules designed for the GP and practice nurse are also available. They include comprehensive information and updates on organ and tissue donation in Australia.
1. HealthCPD.com.au
This program includes:
- A 15 minute self-test to determine your level of knowledge on organ and tissue donation
- Printable patient handouts with answers to frequently asked questions
- Downloadable presentations with more information and which can be used for community talks about organ and tissue donation
Accreditation includes: RACGP - QA&CPD 2 Category 2 points; ACRRM - 1 PDP point. The program is endorsed by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia (RCNA) according to approved criteria.
2. gplearning:
gplearning has two online learning activities on organ and tissue donation: ‘Key Issues for General Practice’ and ‘MCQs’. These activities ‘help GPs, practice nurses, practice managers and the extended primary care team answer key patient queries about organ and tissue donation, and how to promote appropriate discussion of organ donation issues. It includes links to relevant websites and further reading.
Accreditation includes: RACGP - QA&CPD 2 Category 2 points; ACRRM - 1 PDP point
Access the GP Learning program
3. Australian Practice Nurses Association
This 45 minute course covers:
- General principles of organ and tissue donation
- The donation process and donor management
- The Australian Organ Donor Register.
It includes links to relevant websites, downloadable fact sheets and references for further reading
