Awareness and attitudes toward corneal donation among Canadians: informational and motivational videos can increase willingness toward corneal donation

BackgroundThis study examined whether corneas from bacteremic donors could be used for corneal transplant.MethodsCorneas donated to the National Eye Bank of Taiwan between 1 January 2014 and 30 June 2017 were included in this study. All the corneas had corneoscleral rim cultures during the retrieval process and were hypothermic preserved in the Optisol-GS storage medium. A microbial work-up flow chart was used for the sterility check of all grafts. Bacteremic donors were defined as those whose last blood culture before corneal donation was positive. The microbial contamination rates, the endothelial cell densities, the tissue utility rates and early complications after transplants were compared between the corneas from bacteremic versus non-bacteremic donors.Results697 corneas from 356 donors were analysed, 70 of which were from bacteremic donors. The microbial contamination rates of the corneas from bacteremic and non-bacteremic donors (7.1% vs 9.1%)(p=0.30) were close. None of the contaminated corneas grew the same bacterial strains as those from their blood cultures. The corneas from bacteremic donors and non-bacteremic donors have similar endothelial cell densities (2931±297 cells/mm2 vs 2903 ± 470 cells/mm2) (p=0.63). Corneas from bacteremic and non-bacteremic donors shared a similar utility rate (98.6% vs 99.4%)(p=0.41). None of the corneas caused infectious complications after transplants.ConclusionOur study showed that corneas from bacteremic and non-bacteremic donors have equally low contamination rates and are of the same quality in terms of endothelial cell density and safety.

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Corneal donation within palliative care: a review of the literature

International Journal of Palliative Nursing ◽

10.12968/ijpn.2005.11.9.19783 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 481-486 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Philip Edwards

Keyword(s):

Palliative Care ◽

Review Of The Literature ◽

Corneal Donation

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Awareness and Attitudes toward Corneal Donations among Applicants and Staff of a Driver, Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA) in Ghana

10.21203/rs.2.174/v3 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Seth Lartey ◽

ELLEN KONADU ANTWI-ADJEI ◽

Solomon Agyapong ◽

Abdul-Kabir Mohammed ◽

Derrick N.O. Mensah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Corneal Transplant ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Willingness To Donate ◽

Drivers License ◽

Study Population ◽

Good Potential ◽

Potential Mode ◽

Corneal Donation ◽

Age Range

Abstract Background: Corneal transplantations are surgeries performed for irreparable corneal diseases and damage. However, there is a gap between the number of potential recipients and the number of donor corneas available. The main aim of the study was to determine the awareness and attitudes toward corneal donation among applicants and staff of DVLA, Kumasi-Ghana. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. 100 participants were selected using convenient sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from participants concerning awareness and attitudes toward corneal transplant. Results: The mean ± SD age of the participants was 32.05 ± 11.48years and age range, 18-67years. Males were 66% whilst females constituted 34%. 32.7% of the participants were aware of corneal donation. Majority of the participants were Christians (83.1%) and Singles (63%). Television was the source of information with the highest preponderance (49.4%). 67.3% were willing to donate their corneas after death. 63.9% were willing to indicate their donor statuses on drivers’ license form which had a significant association with willingness to donate cornea after death (p<0.05, ᵪ 2 = 12.187). Conclusion: There is a poor level of awareness (32.7%) of transplant and donation amongst the study population but a good level of willingness to donate organs (67%). Consent via driving license would seem to be a good potential mode of obtaining consent to supplement the harvesting of adequate tissues for transplant if adequate awareness is created.

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P-49 Corneal donation (CD) in the hospice setting: a questionnaire survey of multi-disciplinary team members’ knowledge and experience, to inform an education programme for staff, with the aim of increasing cd from this hospice population

BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care ◽

10.1136/bmjspcare-2015-001026.49 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 5 (Suppl 3) ◽

pp. A18.1-A18

Author(s):

Josephine Astle ◽

Helen Eades ◽

Emma Tregenna ◽

Sarah Mollart

Keyword(s):

Questionnaire Survey ◽

Education Programme ◽

Team Members ◽

Corneal Donation ◽

Multi Disciplinary Team

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A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of palliative care patients’ views on corneal donation and the timing of its discussion

Palliative Medicine ◽

10.1177/0269216318784210 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 32 (8) ◽

pp. 1428-1437

Author(s):

Lucy Walker ◽

Karen Neoh ◽

Hazel Gilkes ◽

Clare Rayment

Keyword(s):

Palliative Care ◽

Sampling Method ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Corneal Transplantation ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Illness Trajectory ◽

Face To Face ◽

Donor Shortage ◽

Corneal Donation ◽

Sight Restoration

Background: Corneal transplantation can lead to sight restoration, but globally there is a donor shortage. Many palliative care patients can donate their corneas but think they are ineligible due to comorbidities. Healthcare professionals are reluctant to broach the topic, but studies have shown that relatives would be upset if they were not offered this chance. There is no existing research involving patients. Aim: To understand the views and feelings of patients in palliative care settings towards corneal donation and explore their opinions regarding the timing of its discussion. Design: This is an exploratory study based at one UK palliative care unit. A census sampling method was used. Nine participants took part in semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was undertaken. Results: Themes found included altruistic motivation and the value of sight. Family views were important, but the influence on final decisions varied. The timing of discussion relative to the illness trajectory was important; patients want to be able to engage fully in conversations and had concerns about not being able to think clearly when closer to death. Participants also associated discussion of donation as an indication of a poor prognosis. Patients prefer face-to-face discussions with someone whom they had a close rapport. Many had misconceptions about eligibility. Conclusion: This is the first study to engage directly with palliative care patients and to establish their views on the timing of corneal donation discussions. Patients are willing to discuss donation, and further exploration of patient views in this area should be undertaken.

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