Korean J Transplant.  2022 Nov;36(Supple 1):S329. 10.4285/ATW2022.F-4728.

The experience of donation coordinator

• Son SY
• Kim HJ
• Lee JE
• Lee S
• Kim A

• KMID: 2535556
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4285/ATW2022.F-4728

Abstract

Background
The donation coordinator in an organ procurement process is one of highly stressful job. Little has been written about the experiences of donation coordinators. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the experiences in the donation coordinators' practice.
Methods
The grounded theory methodology was used for this study. The data was collected through in-depth interview from six participants who were donation coordinators from two hospitals in Seoul. Data was collected between February and March. Theoretical sampling was used until the data reached saturation.
Results
As a result of the analysis, “Must solve in an unpredictable situation” was identified as the core category. Eleven subcategories were identified and they were integrated to the core category. “Having the expertise with full view” was identified as the consequence.
Conclusions
Lifesaving organ transplantations cannot be performed without donation coordinating. The donation coordinators played various roles, they had a conflict in role identity due to poor working environments. The results of this study suggested that an increase in understanding for the coordinators' role, and institutional support for better working conditions are needed for donation coordinators to be acknowledged as professionals.