Resilience among organ donation coordinators: a Canadian mixed-methods study

Front Public Health. 2024 Mar 15:12:1367546. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1367546. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Background: Organ and Tissue Donation Coordinators (OTDCs) are key to the success of deceased organ donation processes. However, reduced resilience can leave them susceptible to the incidence of work-related issues and decrease the quality of the care provided. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the extent of resilience and influencing aspects among OTDCs in Canada.

Methods: Mixed-method (QUAN-qual) explanatory sequential design. Quantitative data was collected using an online cross-sectional survey approach with demographic data and the validated scales and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was collected using a descriptive approach with a semi-structured interview guide and analyzed using content analysis.

Results: One hundred twenty participants responded to the survey, and 39 participants were interviewed. Most participants from the survey were female (82%), registered nurses (97%) and on average 42 years old. The quantitative data revealed that OTDCs had a high level of perceived compassion satisfaction (ProQOL-CS = 36.3) but a resilience score (CD-RISC = 28.5) lower than other groups of healthcare professionals. OTDCs with over a year of experience in the role were more likely to have higher levels of resilience. The qualitative data identified that participants saw resilience as crucial for their work-related well-being. Although coping strategies were identified as a key factor that enhance resilience, many OTDCs reported difficulty in developing healthy coping strategies, and that the use of unhealthy mechanisms (e.g., alcohol and smoking) can result in negative physical consequences (e.g., weight gain) and reduced resilience levels.

Conclusion: Participants reported using a series of coping and protective strategies to help build resilience, but also difficulty in developing healthy mechanisms. The lack of healthy coping strategies were seen as contributing to negative work-related issues (e.g., burnout). Our findings are being used to develop tailored interventions to improve resilience and healthy coping strategies among organ donor coordinators in Canada.

Keywords: coping strategies; organ donation; organ donor coordinators; protective factors; resilience.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Canada
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychological Tests*
  • Resilience, Psychological*
  • Tissue and Organ Procurement*

Supplementary concepts

  • Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This work was financially supported by CHAMO (Children Hospital Academic Medicine Organization) research innovation grant from Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and Canadian Blood Services. Canadian Blood Services receives funding from the provincial and territorial Ministries of Health and the federal government, through Health Canada. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the federal, provincial or territorial governments. Canadian Blood Services is not responsible for the management or funding of any Canadian organ donation organization or transplant program.