Using Low-cost computer-based simulations in the Spanish National Transplant Procedures

Spain holds a worldwide privileged position with extraordinary rates of organ deceased donation resulting from an organizational approach known as the “Spanish Model”. The Spanish National Transplant Organization (ONT) is making a continuous effort to improve its teaching methods and to share its knowledge with other countries. This study describes the use of low-cost computer-based simulations covering two key procedures of the organ deceased donation process managed by the ONT central office. The goal of these simulations is to increase the awareness of other health care professionals involved in the process and to support the ONT instructional approach. After ONT experts´ validation, these simulations were used by 90 trainees for practicing after a short theoretical presentation of the procedures. Students gave their opinions in a short survey where they confirmed that the simulations helped them establish a better comprehension of the processes. These simulations are now part of the ONT instructional material.