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C Conesa

Publications and source records attributed to C Conesa.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

What is the attitude of hospital transplant-related personnel toward donation?

The attitude of health-care workers, especially in transplant-related services, is fundamental in the process of organ procurement. In this study we examine the attitude of workers in transplant-related services toward cadaveric organ donation and transplantation (ODT) in a third-level hospital in Spain. A random sample was stratified according to type of service and job category (n = 309) among personnel in transplant-related services (organ procurement units, transplant units and follow-up units). Attitude toward cadaveric organ donation was evaluated using a validated psychosocial questionnaire. Seventy percent (n = 215) of respondents were found to be in favor of donation, as opposed to 30% against or undecided (n = 94). Regarding job category, attitude was most favorable among physicians (86%, n = 99; p = 0.000). With respect to type of service, attitude tended to be more negative in organ procurement units and more positive in the follow-up units of transplanted patients (41% vs 81%, p = 0.013). Upon analysis of the psychosocial variables, significant results were found with respect to the following factors: (1) age (39 vs 42 years, p = 0.007); (2) having discussed ODT with family members or with a partner (p = 0.007); (3) understanding of the concept of brain death (p = 0.001); (4) attitude toward carrying out an autopsy (p = 0.001); and (5) concern about the possibility of mutilation after organ extraction. Attitude toward cadaveric donation was lower than expected among personnel in transplant-related services, especially among ancillary personnel and workers in organ procurement units.

Adult↗

Attitudes of primary care professionals in Spain toward xenotransplantation.

OBJECTIVE: The deficit in transplantable organs is making it necessary to find alternative sources. One possibility is xenotransplantation. However, the use of animal organs may be rejected by society and among health professionals. Primary Care is fundamental for promoting matters of health; in Spain it has access to nearly 100% of the population. Our objective was to analyze the acceptance of this therapy, although it is experimental, among Primary Care professionals, given that they are the ones most involved in spreading information about this therapy if it was confirmed to be useful. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample was stratified by sex, job category, and geographical location among Primary Care personnel, including 428 professionals in 32 health centers among population of 2851 professionals. Attitudes toward xenotransplantation were evaluated using a questionnaire on psychosocial attitudes validated in our geographical area. Contact was made in each center with the Doctor Coordinator for doctors, the Nursing Coordinator for nurses, and an Administrative Officer for ancillary personnel. The chi-square test and Student t test were applied to evaluate categorical and continuous data, respectively. RESULTS: Attitudes toward xenotransplantation were similar to those obtained in human organs: favorable in 79% (n = 325), whereas 19% (n = 78) had doubts and 2% (n = 10) were against. The attitude was more favorable in men (89% vs 72%; P < .000), those who had cared for transplant patients (84% vs 71%; P = .009), those with previous experience in organ donation and transplantation (84% vs 75%; P = .033), those with an attitude in favor of cadaveric organ donation (83% vs 66%; P < .0001), and those in favor of living donation of the kidney (P < .000) or the liver (P < .000), as well as those who believed that they may need a transplant at some time in the future (84% vs 74%; P = .045). There was a clear difference in attitude according to job category (P = .018): approval rates were 89% for doctors, 76% for nurses, and 70% for ancillary personnel. CONCLUSIONS: Attitudes toward future application of xenotransplantation were quite positive among doctors. However, the attitudes of nursing and ancillary personnel were similar to those of the general population. The main factors related to such an attitude depended mainly on the previous relationship and attitude of the respondent toward human organ donation and transplantation.

Animals↗

Primary care doctors faced with living organ donation.

OBJECTIVE: The attitudes of health care personnel, specifically doctors, have a significant influence on public attitudes toward organ donation and transplantation. The objective herein was to analyze the attitudes of Primary Care (PC) doctors toward living organ donation and to determine the psychosocial factors that condition these attitudes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample was stratified by geographical location (six health areas in our community) among PC doctors, including 155 respondents from 32 health centers. Attitudes toward donation were evaluated using a psychosocial questionnaire validated in our geographical area. Contact was made with the Doctor Coordinator in each center for distribution of the questionnaires, which were completed anonymously. The chi-square test and Student t test were applied to evaluate the data. RESULTS: When the living donor is not related, only 21% (n = 32) of PC doctors were in favor of living kidney donation, and only 20% (n = 31) for living liver donation (P > .05). In contrast, these percentages were 90% and 89% in favor of kidney and liver related donation, respectively. Upon analysis of the psychosocial variables affecting these attitudes, there was only an association with their partner's opinion (P = .009 for kidney and P = .000 for liver), and the possibility of needing a transplant oneself (P = .000). CONCLUSIONS: PC doctors have favorable attitudes toward related living donation. If living donation is promoted by transplant coordination units, such PC professionals could act as a source of positive information about the matter for the general public.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Ancillary hospital personnel faced with organ donation and transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To reduce the number of family organ donation refusals, it is necessary not only to act on the general public but also on the health care system. In this respect, there are data suggesting that the percentage of hospital personnel against donation is high, especially among ancillary personnel. The objective herein was to analyze the attitudes of ancillary hospital professionals toward donation of their own organs and determine factors that conditioned such attitudes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample in a third-level hospital with a solid organ transplant program was stratified by ancillary services: administrative, porters, maintenance, cleaning, and cooking. Attitudes toward donation of one's own organs after death were evaluated using a questionnaire on psychosocial aspects validated in our area. It included various psychosocial variables that could affect such attitudes. The Student t test and chi-square test were used to evaluate the data. RESULTS: We analyzed 277 respondents of mean age 43 +/- 8 years and 96% women. The level of acceptance of organ donation was 64% (n = 178), whereas 46% were either against or undecided (n = 98). The variables which determined the attitudes were understanding of brain death (P = .004); attitude toward cadaveric manipulation, especially toward autopsy (P = .013) and cremation (P = .004); concern about mutilation after donation (P = .014); religion (P = .032); partner's attitude toward donation (P < .0001); and possibility of needing an organ in the future (P = .031). CONCLUSIONS: Ancillary hospital personnel had similar attitudes toward donation as those of the general public as observed in other studies. The attitudes were determined by many psychosocial factors. A campaign to raise awareness among professionals has become a priority, given that working in a hospital, their unfavorable attitude could have a strong negative impact on the general public.

Adult↗

Attitudes toward organ donation in rural areas of southeastern Spain.

OBJECTIVE: Rural areas present a worse attitude toward organ donation. However, the factors conditioning this attitude are not well known. Our aim was to determine the profile of the population opposed to donation in rural areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample stratified by age and sex was obtained from municipalities with less than 10,000 inhabitants. Attitudes toward donation were assessed by a questionnaire which evaluated variables that may influence these attitudes. A descriptive statistical study used the Student t test and chi-square test as well as a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among 181 respondents, 63% were in favor of donation and 37% against or undecided. Among the reasons to be against donation were rejection of body mutilation (43%) and fear of apparent death (41%). The psychosocial variables against donation were age >or=44 years, primary education or below, no previous experience with donation, no prosocial activities, an unfavorable opinion of the partner, and fear of corpse mutilation. The variables persisting in the multivariate analysis were level of education, previous experience, prosocial activities, and fear of corpse manipulation. CONCLUSIONS: Among the rural population the profile of a person opposed to donation was someone older than 44 years, with a low level of education and no previous experience with donation, who does not participate in prosocial activities and is opposed to corpse manipulation.

Adolescent↗

Attitudes of resident doctors toward different types of organ donation in a Spanish transplant hospital.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to analyze acceptance of cadaveric and living organ donation for transplantation among resident doctors, given that they are the new professionals of medicine who will have to encourage and develop transplant programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random survey was performed on resident doctors in a third-level hospital with an organ transplant program which is accredited for undergraduate and postgraduate education (n = 171). Attitudes toward cadaveric and living donation were evaluated using a questionnaire including various psychosocial variables that might affect such attitudes. We used the Student t test and the chi-square test. RESULTS: The sample was composed of responses by 171 resident doctors of mean age 28 +/- 4 years with 56% women. Attitudes toward cadaveric donation were favorable in 92% (n = 157). As for living donation, the percentage in favor of nonrelated donation was low: 23% for kidney and 19% for liver. However, when the donation was from a relative, the percentages increased to levels similar to those of cadaveric donation, namely 88% and 85% for kidney and liver, respectively. No differences were observed in attitudes toward cadaveric or living donation according to various psychosocial variables. CONCLUSIONS: The trainee doctors showed favorable attitudes toward human cadaveric organ donation as well as living related donation, which suggests a relaunch of living donors in the near future. However, there was not much acceptance of nonrelated donation, as has also been seen in studies of the general public in our geographical area.

Adult↗

Doppler ultrasonographic and scintigraphic assessment of an auxiliary heterotopic liver transplantation with portal vein arterialization in pigs.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate liver graft integrity and function using scintigraphy and ultrasonography in a porcine model of auxiliary heterotopic liver transplantation with portal vein arterialization (AHLT-PVA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using Doppler ultrasonography we evaluated eight AHLT-PVA by parenchymal echogenicity, portal and arterial anatomy, and portal and biliary system flow. Two types of scintigraphy were performed: microaggregated human albumin colloid scintigraphy and diisopropyl iminodiacetic acid (DISIDA) scintigraphy, both labeled with 99mTc. RESULTS: The animals were distributed into two groups. The first group consisted of three animals with clinical suspicion of graft dysfunction, in which the ultrasonographic study revealed areas of parenchymal destructuring. In the scintigraphic study, heterogenous uptake was observed; there was no uptake in one animal. Necropsy of these three animals revealed areas of graft necrosis. The second group consisted of five animals with good clinical evolutions, in which the ultrasonographic study showed portal dilation, portal flow with arterial spiculations, and homogenous echogenicity of the hepatic parenchyma. The scintigraphic study revealed homogenous uptake by the graft and an elimination speed of the hepatobiliary agent similar to that of the native liver. CONCLUSIONS: An heterogenous echostructure of the graft provided a sign of poor prognosis indicating necrosis in the same way as heterogenous uptake or nonuptake of radioisotope upon scintigraphy. Scintigraphy is a good method to evaluate biliary function and bile elimination. In an AHLT-PVA, the main ultrasound findings derived from arterialization were dilation of the portal system and portal flow with arterial spiculations.

Animals↗

Information requested about organ donation in primary health care centers.

UNLABELLED: Information provided by primary care workers about organ donation significantly affects the attitude of the general public. The objective of this study was to evaluate information about donation requested by the general public in health centers in an autonomous community (region) of Spain and to find out how many workers provided relevant information. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample was taken and stratified by sex, job category, and geographical location (six health areas of our autonomous regional community, 45 municipal councils), among primary care health workers in order to obtain a total of 428 respondents in 34 primary care centers. A study was undertaken of information requested and provided about organ donation and transplantation. The chi square test was applied and differences were considered significant at levels of P < .05. RESULTS: Forty-three percent (n=185) of the workers surveyed indicated that information had been requested from them about organ donation and transplantation. This request for information was much greater from physicians than from the other types of workers (P = .015). Furthermore, 54% of primary care health workers (n=229) reported having provided information about donation, especially physicians (64%), with this being mainly favorable. Information had also been provided by nurses (59%) and ancillary staff (34%). CONCLUSION: Information requested from primary care health workers by the general public about organ donation and transplantation is increasing when we compare it to data from previous years. Around half of primary care workers have offered information about transplantation. Therefore, it is fundamental that these workers have adequate and correct information to provide patients and families.

Attitude to Death↗

Hemodynamic assessment during auxiliary heterotopic liver transplantation with portal vein arterialization in a Swine model: preliminary report of 10 transplants.

UNLABELLED: Portal vein arterialization (PVA) is a technical variation of auxiliary heterotopic liver transplantation (AHLT) that is rarely studied but that simplifies the AHLT surgical technique because it does not act on the portal area. The objective of this study was to analyze the hemodynamic consequences of this auxiliary transplant in an experimental model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten AHLT-PVA were analyzed in a pig model. A PiCCO (Pulsion) monitor was used for the hemodynamic study of the recipient. The following were measured: cardiac index, (CI), systemic vascular resistance index, (SVRI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), global end-diastolic volume, central venous pressure, and intrathoracic blood volume. The measurements were taken at four times during transplant: at baseline, after inferior vena cava clamping, after graft reperfusion, and at closure. RESULTS: After graft reperfusion there was a reduction in SVRI (968 +/- 168.03 vs 1686.25 +/- 290.66; P < .05) and in MAP, and there was an increase in CI. At the end of the transplant MAP and SVRI recovered (1254.2 +/- 225.79 vs 968 +/- 168.03; P < .05) but CI remained slightly high. The end-diastolic volume showed greater variation than central venous pressure, although this was only statistically significant at the inferior vena cava clamping phase (244.75 +/- 52.05 vs 333.37 +/- 170.13; P < .05). DISCUSSION: Heterotopic liver transplantation with portal arterialization is well-tolerated hemodynamically. Graft reperfusion decreases SVRI and increases CI to compensate for this. This behavior, which in healthy recipients like ours is not a problem, could imply a contraindication in patients with a prior hyperdynamic state.

Animals↗

Hospital personnel faced with organ xenotransplantation: an attitudinal survey in a hospital with a pre-clinical liver xenotransplantation program.

BACKGROUND: In situations of extreme urgency when there is a need for vital organs, xenotransplantation could provide a bridge until the arrival of a human organ. However, it is important to find out the level of acceptance of this potential therapy among the health care workers who would be involved in its implementation. The objective of this study is to analyze attitude among personnel in a hospital with a pre-clinical xenotransplantation program toward xenotransplantation and to determine the variables that influence this attitude. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample (n=1168) was taken and stratified according to job category and service. Attitude toward xenotransplantation was evaluated using a validated questionnaire. Contact was made with the head of each service who was given an explanation of the project. This person was made responsible for the distribution and collection of the survey in each service in randomly selected work shifts. Such a survey was completed anonymously and was self-administered. A random sample of 250 individuals from our regional community was used as a control group. RESULTS: The survey completion rate was 98% (n=1148). Most respondents are in favor (67%), 7% are against and 26% undecided. Such an attitude is more favorable in the control group (74% vs. 67%; P=0.0378). The following factors are positively related to such an attitude: (1) male sex (P<0.0005); (2) a younger age (P=0.013); (3) participation in prosocial voluntary activities (P=0.002); (4) knowing that the church has a positive attitude toward donation and transplantation (P<0.0005); (5) a partner's favorable attitude toward transplantation (P<0.0005); (6) a physician's job category (P<0.0005); (7) a resident physician's job contract situation (P=0.017); (8) a respondent's belief that he or she may need a transplant in the future (P<0.0005); and (9) a favorable attitude toward human donation, whether this be cadaveric or living (P<0.0005). In the multivariate analysis, the following persist as independent variables: (1) sex (odds ratio=1.6); (2) participation in prosocial voluntary activities (odds ratio=2.2); (3) a partner's unfavorable attitude toward transplantation (odds ratio=0.3); (4) a favorable attitude toward cadaveric donation (odds ratio=2); and (5) attitude toward living liver donation (odds ratio=3.8). CONCLUSIONS: Attitude toward xenotransplantation is not as favorable among hospital personnel as it is in the general public and this is determined by many factors. It will be necessary for research groups to periodically carry out awareness-raising activities about our findings in our own centers, to avoid the rejection that could be generated by a lack of awareness.

Adult↗

Attitude toward deceased organ donation and transplantation among the workers in the surgical services in a hospital with a transplant program.

INTRODUCTION: There are data that suggest that the percentage of hospital workers not in favor of donation is relatively high, even in services that are directly related to transplantation. The objective was to analyze attitudes toward decreased organ donation in the surgical services. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample was stratified by the surgical service and the job category (n = 263) in a third-level hospital with a transplant program assessed attitudes toward the donation of ones own organs after death using a questionnaire including psychosocial factors as validated in our geographic surroundings. Student t test and the chi-square test were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Favorable attitudes toward donation were observed in 68% (n = 178) as opposed to 32% with an attitude that was undecided or against the act (n = 85). The psychosocial variables that showed significant relationships with this attitude were age (most in favor are younger; P = .021); nonmedical surgical staff (50% against donation; P = .0001); resident physicians (94% in favor; P = .001); discussion and prior consideration of donation (P = .016); knowledge of the concept of brain death (an important factor in nonhealth staff; P = .010); attitude toward manipulation of the deceased (P = .011) and concerns about mutilation (P = .026); partner's opinion toward organ donation (P = .0001); and existence of frequent medical errors (P = .003). No significant differences were found, depending on whether the services were involved in a specific transplant program (P = .853). CONCLUSIONS: Favorable attitudes toward donation among the hospital staff on surgical services, including those who perform transplants, did not reach more than 70% and was determined by multiple psychosocial factors. Donation promotion activities are necessary for these services, given the importance that this group's negative attitude could have on the attitude of the general population.

Adult↗

Attitude toward living related donation of patients on the waiting list for a deceased donor solid organ transplant.

INTRODUCTION: Spain is the country with the highest rate of donation from deceased individuals. However, given the deficit in organs, living donation is being encouraged. Our objective was to analyze attitudes toward living donation among patients on the waiting list for a transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients on the waiting list for a kidney or liver transplant (n = 96; 46 kidney and 50 liver) in the last year had their attitudes toward living donation evaluated through a psychosocial survey performed in a direct interview with an independent health professional from the transplant unit and analyzed by Student t test and the chi-square test. RESULTS: Ninety-one percent were in favor of donating their organs when they die, 6% had doubts, and the remaining 3% were against it. Twenty percent would accept living donation from a family member (32% in liver vs 7% in kidney; P < .05), despite 89% of them accepting that there would be a risk to the family member. Twenty percent reported that a family member had suggested donating, but the patient was opposed. Finally, only 6% considered living donation to be their first choice, 42% did not consider this option. Up to 96% would donate an organ to a family member if they were requested to do so. CONCLUSION: Patients on the waiting list are not favorable to living related donation for themselves, although members of their family have proposed it to them. However, the liver patient is more prepared to accept it, possibly because that patient has no other alternative as do kidney patients have dialysis. Even so, they are favorable toward donating a living organ if a family member were to request one. In general, living donation is not being proposed to these patients as a real option, partly because of their doctors.

Adult↗

Rural primary care centers as a source of information about organ donation.

INTRODUCTION: Primary care is an important way of promoting health in the community, and this includes organ donation. In rural areas, this way of promoting health acquires special importance. Our objective was to analyze attitudes toward organ donation among primary care workers in rural health centers to assess their importance in circulating information about donation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample, stratified according to job category among the primary care staff (n = 160), of workers in rural areas in our autonomous community (population < 10,000 inhabitants), evaluated attitudes toward donation using a questionnaire validated in our geographic area. To distribute the questionnaire it was necessary to contact the following in each health center: the coordinating physician, the nursing coordinator, and an administrative worker. RESULTS: Of those questioned, 78% (n = 124) were in favor of donation, as opposed to 22% (n = 36) who are against it or undecided. As for the job category, physicians and nurses showed a more favorable attitude than nonhealth workers (90% and 80% vs 61%; P = .000). The psychosocial variables that were related to such an attitude were knowledge of the concept of brain death (P = .013) and lack of fear of manipulation of the deceased person (P = .002). Regarding information about organ donation and transplantation, 54% (n = 86) reported having been provided favorable information, with up to a quarter of the physicians considering other programs to be of greater interest for primary care than organ donation and transplantation. CONCLUSION: Attitudes toward organ donation were favorable among a high percentage of primary care workers in rural centers; more than 50% have circulated favorable information on the subject. However, there is a high percentage with a negative or undecided attitude, especially among nonhealth workers, which should be reversed with promotional activities at the level of the health center.

Attitude to Health↗

Attitude survey of hospital workers in the surgical services toward living kidney donation.

INTRODUCTION: A living donor kidney is currently the most accepted kind of solid organ donation, given the low level of morbidity and mortality and the good results in the recipient. In Spain, its use is still scarce; even many health service workers are not in favor. Our objective was to analyze the attitudes toward living kidney donation in a surgical department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample was stratified according to surgical services and job category in a tertiary hospital with an solid organ transplant program. Attitudes toward living kidney donation were evaluated using a questionnaire on donation and transplantation, which evaluated various psychosocial variables. Student's t test and the Chi square test were used. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-three respondents of mean age 40 +/- 10 years were analysed for attitudes toward living kidney donation. The level of acceptance was 87% (n = 229) versus 13% undecided or against the procedure (n = 34). No differences were observed according to job category. The variables that showed a relationship with the attitude were the partner's attitude toward donation (P = .049); the possible need for an organ oneself (P = .0001); and belief that medical errors occur (P = .001). The attitude toward cadaveric organ donation was not reflective of that toward living kidney donation (P = .241). CONCLUSIONS: A favorable attitude toward living kidney donation was high among hospital staff of the surgical department. Those for whom it was not favorable were influenced by personal factors such as partner's attitude and the possibility of needing a kidney in the future.

Adult↗

Attitude of primary care nurses toward living kidney donation.

INTRODUCTION: Nursing is a fundamental service in caring for the health of the public. The opinion of nurses toward a certain type of donation may have a strong population impact. In this respect, living kidney donation is increasing in Spain; it is important to raise awareness at all levels. The objective here was to analyze the attitudes of primary care nursing personnel toward living kidney donation and to their determinants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample of primary care nurses stratified by geographical location (six health areas in our community), included 139 nurses from 32 health centres. Attitudes toward living donation were evaluated using a questionnaire with various psychosocial variables. For the distribution of the questionnaires, contact was made with the nursing coordinator in each centre. They were completed anonymously. The chi-squared test and Student's t test were applied. RESULTS: The attitudes toward living kidney donation were favorable in 93% of those questioned (n = 129), mainly when the donation is related (78%, n = 109). Only one nurse was against the idea of donating a kidney from a living person (1%); nine had doubts about this kind of donation (7%). Seventy-six percent (n = 106) have cared for patients awaiting a transplant; however, no relationship was found with attitude toward this type of donation (P = .209). Of all analyzed variables, there was only a significant relationship with concern about possible body mutilation (P < .0005) and partner's opinion about the matter (P < .0005). We wish to highlight that no relationship was found with attitudes toward cadaveric organ donation (P = .712). CONCLUSIONS: Attitudes of primary care nursing personnel toward living kidney donation were favorable, especially if it was related donation.

Adult↗

Attitude toward xenotransplantation in kidney and liver patients on the transplant waiting list.

INTRODUCTION: The deficit in transplant organs is encouraging research into stem cells and xenotransplantation. However, many studies have shown that using animals for human transplantation could be rejected by society. The objective here was to analyze the attitude of patients on the waiting list toward a possible transplant of an organ of animal origin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients on the waiting list for kidney and liver transplants including last year (n = 96) underwent a direct interview by an independent health professional from the transplant unit. Using a psychosocial survey, an evaluation was made of attitudes toward donation of organs of animal origin and its various options. Student t test and the chi-square test were used for analysis. RESULTS: If results from xenotransplantation could be superimposed onto those of human transplantation, 71% would accept such an organ. In the case of the kidney, 83% would accept, 4% would not, and 13% have doubts; as opposed to 60%, 12%, and 28%, respectively, of liver cases (P < .05). Supposing that the results were worse than in human organs, only 26% would accept an animal organ. Thus, for kidney, 33% would accept it, 48% would not, and 20% would have doubts; and for liver, it would be 20%, 50%, and 30%, respectively. In a life-threatening situation 98% would accept an animal organ as a bridge of hope in the wait for a human organ. In addition, if the organ functioned correctly, 98% would keep the animal organ, thus avoiding an intervention to substitute a human organ. CONCLUSION: If xenotransplantation became a clinical reality, acceptance of an animal organ by patients on the waiting list would be low, especially if the results could not be superimposed onto human ones. Only its use as a bridge until the arrival of a human organ would increase its acceptance.

Animals↗