Implementing and Evaluating a Program to Increase Organ Donation Among African Americans

ABSTRACTAmanda Peay: Implementation and Evaluation of a Program to Increase Organ Donation amongthe African American Community (Under the direction of Ashley Kellish) Introduction: In the U.S., there are 112,283 candidates on the waiting list for an organ transplant and 3,472 on the waiting list in North Carolina (HRSA, 2020). The lack of organ donors in the U.S. and locally in NC is a major problem and can negatively impact candidates needing an organ transplant. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project is to implement and evaluate a program to increase organ donor intentions and registration in the African American community. Methods: Using a distinct community-focused approach to promote a psychologically safe environment to learn about organ donation, participants were provided guidance on the topic from a trusted source and anonymous surveys collected data to capture the overall improvement. Interventions: An online informational video conducted by a LifeShare representative, who is also a member of the congregation regarding organ donation was administered virtually over two weeks throughout May and June of 2020 and again in August of 2020. Data was collected via pre- and post-surveys before and after each informative video. Due to COVID, interventions and data collection were all completed virtually. Results: There were 26 respondents that completed the pre-questionnaire survey. 100% of the respondents were African American, 19 were females and seven were males, 100% of the respondents were at least a high school graduate or had a higher education, and 13 indicated they were a registered organ donor and 13 respondents reported they were not. All 13 respondents who indicated they were organ donors, registered at the local DMV. Sixteen respondents reported they had informed their family members of their organ donor wishes and 10 said they had not. After watching the video, 48 respondents completed the questionnaire. Of those 48, 33 (68.75%) indicated they will sign up to become a registered organ donor and 15 (31.25%) stated they will not sign up to become an organ donor. Conclusion: The outcomes of this project were measured by the change in donor intention and/or registration based on pre- and post-survey results after watching an online informational video on organ donation and proven to be an effective intervention tool.Doctor of Nursing Practic