The Essential Skills in Organ Donation (ESOD) is an intensive, fully in-person, simulation-based course designed to strengthen healthcare professionals’ practical competencies in organ donation.

The course follows a structured learning journey that combines asynchronous pre-course preparation with synchronous, face-to-face, simulation-based activities.

Learning Approach

• Pre-Course Preparation: Independent readings, clinical case reflection, and preparatory activities.
• Simulation-Based Learning: Realistic clinical scenarios delivered in a controlled simulation environment.
• Interactive Debriefing: Faculty-facilitated reflection, clinical reasoning, and team-based discussions.
• Assessment & Evaluation: Pre- and post-course knowledge assessments, participant feedback, and course evaluation.

Simulation Scenarios

Participants rotate through four core clinical scenarios:

1. Donor Identification & Timely Referral
2. Death Determination by Neurological Criteria (DNC)
3. Breaking Bad News & Family Communication
4. Donor Maintenance & Physiological Optimization

The course is delivered over one full day on campus and includes simulation briefing, scenario rotations, structured debriefing, and plenary discussions.

All participants are required to complete the mandatory pre-course preparation and actively participate in the full learning experience to be eligible for course completion certification.

Overview

Participants are required to complete structured pre-course preparation designed to establish foundational knowledge and encourage reflection before attending the simulation-based course.

Pre-Course Activities

• Assigned Readings: Review selected scientific articles and educational materials related to organ donation.
• Clinical Case Reflection: Review a realistic clinical case and respond to guided reflective questions.
• Baseline Assessment: Complete a pre-course questionnaire exploring previous experience, confidence, and preparedness in organ donation practices.

Completion Requirements

All mandatory pre-course activities must be completed by the communicated deadline. Completion is a prerequisite for attending the in-person course.

Overview

ESOD is delivered through an immersive, fully in-person simulation-based learning experience. Participants engage in realistic clinical scenarios designed to strengthen practical competencies, clinical decision-making, communication, and teamwork throughout the organ donation pathway.

Core Simulation Scenarios

Scenario 1: Donor Identification & Timely Referral

Recognizing potential organ donors, identifying clinical triggers, and initiating timely referral in accordance with established pathways.

Scenario 2: Death Determination by Neurological Criteria (DNC)

Understanding the clinical process, professional responsibilities, and multidisciplinary coordination involved in death determination by neurological criteria.

Scenario 3: Breaking Bad News & Family Communication

Developing compassionate communication skills, understanding professional boundaries, and distinguishing between breaking bad news and the formal organ donation approach.

Scenario 4: Donor Maintenance & Physiological Optimization

Applying principles of physiological stabilization, multidisciplinary coordination, and prevention of avoidable deterioration in potential organ donors.

Learning Approach

Each scenario incorporates structured briefing, immersive simulation, facilitated debriefing, and faculty feedback. Participants rotate through the scenarios in small groups, encouraging active participation, teamwork, and reflective learning.

Overview

ESOD incorporates structured assessments and evaluation activities to measure knowledge acquisition, explore changes in participants’ confidence and preparedness, and support continuous course improvement.

Assessment Components

• Pre-Course Baseline Assessment: Explores participants’ professional background, previous exposure to organ donation, self-reported confidence, and preparedness.
• Pre-Course Knowledge Test: Assesses participants’ foundational knowledge before simulation activities.
• Post-Course Knowledge Test: Evaluates knowledge following completion of the course.
• Post-Course Self-Assessment: Explores changes in perceived confidence, preparedness, and intended application of learning.

Course Evaluation: Collects participant feedback on learning activities, simulation scenarios, faculty facilitation, and the overall educational experience.

Assessment Requirements

Participants are expected to complete all mandatory assessments and evaluation activities as part of the course completion requirements.

Note: 

• Applications can be received either through healthcare organizations (nominations) or via individual applications for external seats.

• Screening and selection will be conducted by the course faculty committee.

• CME credits will be issued only to attendees who demonstrate full commitment and attend all course days.

The registration fee includes all applicable taxes and covers the full one-day in-person Essential Skills in Organ Donation (ESOD) course. This includes access to pre-course learning materials, immersive simulation-based training, course assessments, and a certificate of completion, subject to successful fulfillment of all course requirements

Note:

• Registration is for the complete course; individual simulation scenarios cannot be booked separately.
• Full attendance and completion of all mandatory course requirements are necessary for certification.
• Registration fees are non-refundable in cases of non-attendance or failure to complete mandatory pre-course requirements.