TRIO to enlist Primary Care Physicians in promoting organ donor action

Based on a recent study of only 6% of Primary Care Physicians talking to their patients about making their organ donation decision and taking action, TRIO's Board of Directors has commissioned planning work on developing a process that would enlist patients in talking to their PCP's about this subject.  With a target launch date of April 30th, TRIO is looking to empower its national membership and a coalition of other interested organizations in support of this "grass roots" campaign to effect change in this study's findings.

To read that story and the report details, click on Primary Care Physicians' Attitudes and Practices Regarding Discussing Organ Donation With Their Patients

Key study findings included:

• The majority of physicians supported organ donation (97%).
• Few primary care physicians had received training on organ donation (17%), and their knowledge of the subject was limited.
• Only five percent of physicians reported having donor cards available. Only 11 percent reported having donation information available in their practice.
• Primary care physicians who were knowledgeable about donation and who regularly discussed end-of-life care with their patients were more likely to discuss donation.

The findings indicate that efforts to increase organ donation in the general population should focus on educating primary care providers about donation and improving communication between providers and patients.  This is what TRIO hopes to directly address through its network of members and coalition of sister groups.

What is your role in this?
Stay tuned for more details as this campaign develops.  Each TRIO chapte will be rolling out information and calls to action for its members and community as part of the plan.

Make your comments on the story above?  click on: TRIO Bulletin Board  Log in and post your questions, ideas and topics. Communicate with other transplant recipients, donors and families.  Check out our new topics and add your own suggestions.  Help build this community with your own postings to help others.  Add your own questions and thoughts.