Course Summary
Application Deadline
August 1, 2026
Course Dates
August 15, 2026
About the Course
The Essential Skills in Organ Donation Professional Certificate, offered by Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), is an interactive online program designed for healthcare providers who seek to advance their expertise, confidence, and professionalism in organ donation.
This course will be delivered through a blended online learning model, combining:
- Synchronous interactive sessions with live faculty engagement, discussions, case-based learning, and breakout activities.
- Asynchronous self-paced learning through pre-course readings, recorded materials, reflective activities, and knowledge checks.
- Virtual practical workshops focused on applying organ donation principles to realistic clinical scenarios.
- Small-group discussions and facilitated reflection to support peer learning and translation of knowledge into practice.
- Expert faculty feedback to strengthen decision-making, communication, and clinical application.
Participants are expected to:
- Complete the required asynchronous materials before the live sessions.
- Attend all synchronous online sessions.
- Participate actively in breakout rooms, discussions, and case-based activities.
- Complete knowledge checks, reflections, and course evaluation requirements.
By completing this course, participants will:
- Gain a solid foundation in the principles, pathways, and best practices of organ donation.
- Strengthen their ability to identify, refer, and support potential organ donors in clinical settings.
- Build confidence in applying organ donation processes within daily clinical practice.
- Enhance communication, teamwork, and ethical decision-making related to organ donation.
- Reflect on how organ donation practices can be integrated into their own healthcare setting.
Upon successful completion of all course requirements, participants will be awarded the MBRU Essential Skills in Organ Donation Professional Certificate. This program is also CME-accredited, supporting recognition of participants’ professional development.
Admission Criteria
| Professional Background | Licensed healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, allied health)
Specialty: ICU, Emergency, Neurology, and Internal Medicine staff |
| English Language | The participant must be able to engage in learning and assessment in English. |
| Professional Experience | At least 1 year |
| Documents |
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Note:
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Applications can be received either through healthcare organizations (nominations) or via individual applications for external seats.
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Screening and selection will be conducted by the course faculty committee.
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CME credits will be issued only to attendees who demonstrate full commitment and attend all course days.
Course Outline
Course Plan
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30% Theoretical Learning (didactic sessions)
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70% Practical Workshops (hands-on and participative)
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Pre-course: Reading materials and a short pre-test
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During the course: Interactive learning and ongoing assessments
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Post-course: Final assessment
| Modules | Description |
| Module 1: Donor Identification and Detection | Systematic process of recognizing potential organ donors in critical care and emergency settings. This module addresses:
Clinical Triggers – recognizing early signs of catastrophic brain injury or irreversible neurological damage. Screening Protocols – structured use of checklists and referral criteria to ensure no eligible donor is missed. Timely Referral – initiating early contact with organ donation teams to optimize donor potential. Focus is placed on interprofessional responsibility and the importance of integrating donor detection into routine clinical practice. |
| Module 2: Brain Death Determination | Comprehensive review of the principles, standards, and practice of diagnosing brain death and declaring death by neurological criteria (DNC). The module covers:
Clinical Assessment – stepwise examination of brainstem reflexes and apnea testing. Ancillary Testing – role of confirmatory investigations when clinical examination is inconclusive or impossible. DNC Declaration – a formal process of documenting, certifying, and legally recognizing death by neurological criteria in accordance with national regulations. Ethical Framework – safeguarding accuracy, transparency, and professional accountability to maintain public trust. Participants will gain confidence in conducting and documenting DNC declarations in alignment with medical, legal, and ethical standards. |
| Module 3: Family Communication & Consent | This module provides evidence-based methods for engaging families in sensitive discussions following the DNC declaration. Core elements include:
Communication Skills – structured conversations delivered with empathy, clarity, and cultural sensitivity. Informed Consent Process – ensuring families understand brain death, organ donation options, and their rights in decision-making. Supporting Families – addressing emotional, cultural, and religious concerns during end-of-life care. Team Approach – collaboration between physicians, nurses, and transplant coordinators to communicate consistently and compassionately. The aim is to equip professionals with strategies that foster trust, facilitate consent, and support grieving families. |
| Module 4: Donor Management | Focuses on optimizing the physiological stability of the brain-dead donor to preserve organ viability before procurement. Key components include:
Hemodynamic Support – maintaining adequate circulation and organ perfusion. Ventilation and Oxygenation – lung-protective strategies to reduce injury and improve transplant outcomes. Endocrine and Metabolic Management – correcting hormonal imbalances, electrolyte disturbances, and acid–base disorders. Infection Control & Multiorgan Support – preventing sepsis and coordinating multidisciplinary interventions. The objective is to maximize the number and quality of organs available for transplantation through evidence-based donor care. |
