The College of Nursing hosted an inspiring forum titled “Life after Life: The Power of Organ Donation”, bringing together nursing and medical students alongside faculty members from both the College of Nursing and the College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
The event aimed to enhance awareness and understanding of organ donation and transplantation, emphasising its life-saving potential and ethical dimensions within the Sultanate of Oman, and was accompanied by an exhibition that further reinforced key themes and learning outcomes.
The forum commenced with an opening session led by Dr. Nasser bin Majid Al-Salmi, from the College of Nursing, who welcomed the participants and outlined the objectives of the workshop. An introductory video titled “One donor, multiple lives” set the tone for the day, highlighting how a single donor can save multiple lives.
The workshop featured a series of expert-led sessions. Dr. Samya Al-Mazroui, from Khoula Hospital, delivered a presentation on brain death, clarifying its definition and differentiating it from coma and persistent vegetative states, while also addressing legal and ethical considerations in Oman.
Dr. Qasim Al-Jahdhami from the Omani Centre for Organ Transplantation led two key sessions focusing on the organ donation and transplantation process, including types of donation and eligible organs and tissues, as well as the pressing issue of organ trafficking and transplant tourism. He emphasised the importance of distinguishing between legal and illegal practices and the responsibility of healthcare professionals in upholding ethical standards.
A deeply moving segment of the forum featured a real-life organ recipient story, illustrating the profound transformation experienced before and after transplantation. This human-centred perspective reinforced the life-changing impact of organ donation. Asma Al-Battashi, Organ Donation and Transplant Coordinator, concluded the sessions by highlighting the vital role of nurses in advocating for ethical organ donation, educating patients and families, promoting registration through the national Shifa application, and reporting unethical practices.
Following the workshop, participants engaged in interactive exhibition stations designed to reinforce learning. These stations covered a wide range of topics, including organs eligible for donation, registration through the Shifa app, Islamic perspectives on organ donation, awareness of organ trafficking, and recent research findings on public attitudes and barriers to organ donation.
The forum underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and education in promoting a culture of organ donation in Oman. It also highlighted the critical role of future healthcare professionals in advocating ethical practices and increasing public awareness.