Evaluation of Deceased Donation Simulation

Deceased donation occurs at times of significant family distress and it is usually not possible to ‘train’ during these periods. Therefore, learning occurs either in a piecemeal fashion on the job or in classrooms, based on theory and quite removed from the real world of the intensive care environment. Simulation allows staff training and development in a safe environment while enacting real-time events. Nottingham University Hospitals Trust Donation Committee felt that simulation may be an appropriate tool for staff to develop skills in the deceased donation process. A one-day simulation pilot was planned collaboratively with the Trent Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre. This successful pilot demonstrated that simulation was an effective environment to train staff in deceased donation and had the ability to benefit both participants and faculty. A second deceased donation simulation day, unchanged in format, was delivered and the combined outline and results for both days are reported. The intention in future is to support all regional intensive care, emergency medicine and neurosurgery trainees to attend a deceased donation simulation day during their training and to package the course so that it is freely available to other interested centres.