MOHAN Foundation conducted a seminar on deceased organ donation for the students of nursing at MMM College of Nursing in Chennai on 11th December 2019. Over 100 students and a few teachers were present on the occasion that was organized as part of the college’s annual event that campaigns for social causes including HIV and organ donation awareness.
The event started off with a welcome address by the Principal, Dr. Rosaline Rachel, followed by Dr. Hemal Kanvinde of MOHAN Foundation briefing the students about the agenda for the 2-hour session. ‘Life before Ashes’ – an installation of human organ models, made of human ashes and mud was set up in the seminar hall. A short survey was administered to understand the knowledge level of the students on organ donation at the start of the seminar. The seminar began with an introduction to concepts of organ donation, transplantation and brain death, national and international statistics on organ donation rates and myths around organ donation by Ms. Ishwarya Thyagarajan.
Dr. Rajeevalochana Parthasarathy – Nephrologist and Transplant Physician from Madras Medical Mission Hospital was the next speaker. Her talk focused on the role of nurses in treating CKD patients. She covered a wide range of topics that included the symptoms to watch out for, vitals that have to be checked, diet and medicines that should be prescribed, judging the course of treatment required, counseling the patients and their families, communicating information to the physician, etc. She also emphasized on the criticality of the role nurses play when important judgments are arrived at during the treatment of patients. Dr. Rajeeva turned the session into a very interactive one by frequently testing the technical knowledge of the students.
The next segment was a fun cum educative quiz administered by Dr. Hemal, which was highly enjoyed by the group who enthusiastically participated. A video where Dr. Sandeep Vaishya explains brain death and the testing that is done was then played for the audience.
The final segment involved a discussion of case studies that involved complexities, to help the students understand the protocols followed in hospitals during a donation and the role of transplant coordinators. A video of Ms. Shreya Siddanagowder, a hand transplant recipient sharing her experience, a heart recipient who chose to become a transplant coordinator and a motivational video promoting the cause of organ donation were also played.
The event came to a close with a student delivering the vote of thanks, the Vice Principal felicitating the speakers and a few students registering as organ donors. MOHAN Foundation is thankful to MMM College of Nursing for the opportunity and looks forward to future collaborations.
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