Introduction: In January 2023, the UAE National Center for Organ Donation and Transplantation (NCDT) initiated its Training section to foster awareness and knowledge regarding organ donation (OD) and transplantation (T) among healthcare professionals. An innovative and cost-effective strategy was adopted, integrating specialized sessions/tracks on OD and T into national and regional (N/R) healthcare conferences (HC).
Methods: A meticulous assessment of HC held in the UAE in 2023 was conducted, focusing on events aligning with NCDT objectives and addressing themes related to chronic organ diseases, end-of-life care, OD, and T. Targeting key healthcare professionals such as ICU physicians, neurologists, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, nurses, and transplant physicians was prioritized. Presentation topics were selected based on audits identifying deficiencies in the healthcare system to bolster understanding and interest in organ donation and transplantation. These sessions were strategically dispersed across multiple conferences throughout the year to ensure widespread dissemination of information. Various participation pathways were offered, including a specific track for OD and T, plenary lectures on OD in the main track, OD awareness booths at congress exhibition areas, and local seminars in collaboration with critical care chapters featuring international experts.
Results: In 2023, the National Center actively engaged in ten N/R conferences and local seminars spanning diverse healthcare domains, including Anesthesia and ICU, Pediatrics, Transplantation, Aviation Medicine, Nursing, and Nephrology. Through these collaborations, over 5000 healthcare professionals in the UAE and GCC were effectively reached, enhancing knowledge and awareness about OD and T.
Conclusion: Training initiatives are pivotal for enhancing the efficacy and quality of OD and T practices while fostering a culture of organ donation among healthcare professionals. The UAE approach of participating in national/regional HC conferences enabled broader audience outreach compared to standalone conferences, efficiently delivering our message to a larger demographic in a cost-effective manner.