Authors (including presenting author) :
Lam CW, Ng PPS, Wong WY, Koo JWM, Pong ML
Affiliation :
Central Nursing Division
Introduction :
Organ shortage is a global issue, with around 3,000 people in Hong Kong on the transplant waiting list by the end of 2024. Organ donation is a selfless act that deserves recognition. The Honor Walk is an initiative at Queen Elizabeth Hospital that honors organ donors and enhances end-of-life care.
Objectives :
1. To raise the awareness of organ donation and integral part of end-of-life care within the hospital
2. To engage hospital staff: see by themselves for the altruistic and selfless act of organ donation
3. To support donor family: a powerful way to say goodbye and honor their loved one’s legacy so that they are not feeling alone in their grieving process
Methodology :
- Seek Hospital Management support
- Engage and collaborate various stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams
- Develop workflow, materials and training video
- Staff dissemination: to prepare them for this new initiative and to gain their support and participation
- Family engagement: invite family to participate, engage them early in the process to ensure the ceremony meets their emotional needs and expectations
- Ceremony execution: ensure a respectful and supportive atmosphere throughout the route of Honor Walk
Result & Outcome :
- Positive feedback from families: feeling honored and supported, aiding them in coping with their loss
- Increased awareness: a great opportunity for hospital staff to acknowledge the heroism of their patients and to express their gratitude for the gifts they are about to provide, which demonstrate heightened awareness of the importance of organ donation
- Strengthened Community: the Honor Walk fosters a symbol of unity and compassion among families, donors, recipients, and their healthcare teams, reinforcing the compassionate values within the hospital
- Cultural Promotion: establishes a culture of respect and recognition for organ donation, highlighting its impact at the end-of-life. It provides a chance for hospital staff to reflect on the beauty and meaning of organ donation, recognizing it as a generous gift.
- Enhanced Hospital Reputation: cultivates a reputation for Queen Elizabeth Hospital as a compassionate and community-focused healthcare provider.
Conclusion:
By implementing the Honor Walk, Queen Elizabeth Hospital aims to enhance end-of-life care and support for organ donor family care, ensuring that organ donors and their families are honored and supported throughout this profound journey.
