organ procurement coordinator's effect on referral rates made by emergency room nurses

This study presents information on the effect an organ procurement coordinator had on referral rates made by emergency room nurses. Retrospective data were analyzed after a period of eight months of data collection. These data included a pre-test/post-test which was given to emergency room nursing staff in southeast Florida. Inservice education was given by an organ procurement coordinator during an eight month period. The number of referrals were analyzed at the beginning and end of this period. There was a positive correlation between the increased knowledge of the emergency room nursing staff and the increase in referral rates. This information gives support to the significance of the organ procurement coordinator's role as educator to emergency room nurses. By increasing knowledge regarding the organ donation process, referral rates were increased, providing more opportunity for potential organ donors. This information can be useful for future programs to increase referral rates made by emergency room nurses. Further implications for practice, education, and research are discussed.