Efficacy of social worker role in corneal donation in two different periods

Introduction: The Brazilian National System of Transplantation and the Ministry of Health in Brazil establish procedures and effective actions for occupational health care so that there are increasing numbers of organ and tissue donations.

Objective: This study analyzes the performance of social workers at the Intrahospital Donation of Organs and Tissues for Transplantation, Clinical Hospital, State University of Campinas, Brazil (CIHDOTT).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the number of potential cornea donors, effective donations, family refusal, and the reasons for nonimplementation of the donations in 2009 (period studied with the presence of social workers) compared with 2006 (period studied without the presence of social workers).

Results: Data analysis revealed that in 2006 there were 141 potential cornea donors achieving 35 (25%) donations and 106 (75%) refusals. In 2009 there were 73 potential donors with 25 (34%) donations and 48 (66%) refusals. The causes of family refusal prevalent in both periods were similar: 65% from indecision and 25% from the family's wishes to maintain the patient's body intact.

Conclusion: The performance of social workers in this case was satisfactory, achieving an increase in donations and reducing the number of patients awaiting corneal transplantation while promoting their quality of life.