Problem: Challenges in Organ Donation Diagnosis and Communication
For many, including attending clinicians, organ donation is a delicate topic and, even if a person has consented to being an organ donor, there are specific steps and decisions that need to be made before their wishes can be honored. Attending clinicians often are not comfortable with making a diagnosis that can cause a patient’s loved ones pain; however, delaying the diagnosis not only affects the procurement process, but also shifts the emotional burden to loved ones by not providing them with the closure that only a proper and timely diagnosis can provide.
Solution: Compassionate Video Explaining Brain Death and Donation Process
The Donor Alliance and Diffusion Studios teams worked together to create a video that provides viewers with a brief history of organ donation before walking through each of the steps involved in determining a brain death diagnosis – something that only occurs in approximately 1% of hospital deaths. The video was designed in such a way that not only would it be appropriate for a clinician audience, but could also be reviewed and understood by loved ones who may be seeking answers.
Result: Engaging Educational Content Supporting Clinicians and Families
The Diffusion Studios writer developed a script that transferred dense, impersonal policy documents into an engaging, compassionate document. The script and resources provided by Donor Alliance guided the illustration of conscientious, accurate imagery accessible by viewers with a wide range of experience and educational levels.
When asked about the video production process, Donor Alliance shared:
“The staff were really engaging and responded quickly to all of our edits. They turned the product around very fast and always delivered exactly what we had talked about. It is clear that they strive for excellence in what they do.”
– L. McMahon, BSN, RN, CPTC, Donor Alliance, Organ Recovery Manager, Learning and development Specialist (former)
Watch a Donor Alliance partnership video:
Key Takeaways
- Donor Alliance partners with Diffusion Studios to create sensitive diagnosis and family communication around organ donation.
- Video explains brain death and donation steps clearly and compassionately.
- Content designed for both clinicians and patient families.
Sources
- https://www.donoralliance.org/understanding-donation/about-donation/organ-donation-process/diagnosis/
- https://youtu.be/FwyjevL-el4