A collaborative theatrical simulation that provides organ donation education

Since the first successful organ transplant in 1954, the science of organ donation has grown to the ability of one donor potentially benefitting seventy or more people. Because there are some common misconceptions surrounding the science and process of organ donation, it is important to provide current and relevant education to healthcare providers as well as the community at large. Through the collaboration of multiple schools within the university and community health organizations, an innovative Community Trauma High-Fidelity Simulation was developed that incorporates the use of theatrics and presented in a black box theater. The cast was comprised of nursing students and faculty. The goal of the educational offering was to provide awareness and education surrounding the organ donation process. This novel approach included the perspective of the organ donor instead of the traditional perspective of the organ recipient. The simulation included script development, theatrical presentation logistics, and collaboration with transplant and med evac services, as well as trauma teams in the community. This project resulted in many positive outcomes for organ donation, the school and the community. With over two hundred attendees, many voiced accolades of how the powerful performance resolved discrepancies in their knowledge of organ donation. Recommendations from the simulation include continue to explore the perspective of the donor and family in organ donation; continue to explore the use of formal theatrics in high fidelity simulation; continue to work with community organizations to provide education regarding organ donation and associated myths.