The Model of Postgraduate Studies for Transplant Coordinators in Poland: 500 Graduates in the Years 2007–2015

• In Poland, the number of coordinators totals 292 (7.5 pmp)
• The majority of these coordinators underwent the Transplant Coordinators Postgraduate Studies
• Studies were organized by the Medical University of Warsaw and by Poltransplant
• The academic formula is the most effective in recruiting medical professionals
• Nurses on the same level as physicians perform functions of coordinator in hospitals

BackgroundSince 2007, the Medical University of Warsaw has been organizing the Transplant Coordinators Postgraduate Studies, which are funded by the National Programme for the Development of Transplantation Medicine. The aim of the studies is to recruit medical professionals for every hospital with the potential of deceased donations. The goal of the present study was to formally evaluate the previous 16 editions of Transplant Coordinators Postgraduate Studies by assessing graduate profiles and analyzing the efficiency and sustainability of their education.MethodsGraduate profiles were determined by gathering sociodemographic information contained in student records. Training efficiency and sustainability were defined by assessing the actual performance of the coordinators' functions in the hospital after taking the course.ResultsAs of May 2015, the number of Transplant Coordinators Postgraduate Studies graduates totals 501. Approximately one half of the graduates (n = 248) had nursing degrees; training was also finished by 199 physicians, and 54 individuals had other medical education. The number of graduates per million population across the whole country totals 13. A total of 226 of the graduates (45%) were employed in the years 2007–2015 in hospitals as transplant coordinators; physicians (93 graduates), nurses (107 graduates) and other medical proffessionals (26 graduates).ConclusionsThe academic formula of the Transplant Coordinators Postgraduate Studies funded by public sources makes it possible to educate practicing staff (physicians and nurses alike) for a nationwide system of donor hospital transplant coordinators posted in >200 hospitals and maintained by a national transplant organization.