A lesson about organ donation in primary school: support for its development and its effects
M.J. Siebelink, P.F. Roodbol, M.J.I.J. Albers, H.B.M. van de Wiel
Location(s): Rondgang 1e verdieping
Category:
Background: Organ and tissue donation can also involve children. Because of its sensitivity, this topic requires careful decision making. Children, starting at a certain age, are capable of thinking about this subject and enjoy participating in family discussions about it. Therefore, what children need is proper information. Purpose: When schools are used to educate children about this subject, information about teacher support for this type of lesson along with its effects on the depth of family discussions is important. Methods: In part A of the study, a questionnaire was sent to all 7,542 primary schools in the Netherlands. The goal was to gather information on teachers’ perspectives about a neutral lesson devoted to organ and tissue donation, and also on the best age to start giving such a lesson. Part B examined the effects of a newly developed lesson among 269 primary school pupils. Results: Response in part A was 23%. Of these, 70% were positive towards a lesson; best age to start was 10-11 years. On basis of these results a digital lesson www.donordenkers.nl was developed. In part B of the study, pupils reported 20% more family discussions after school education and enjoyed learning more about this topic.
Conclusion: There is significant support in primary schools for a school lesson on organ and tissue donation. Educational programs in schools support family discussions.