Every year in health care potential organ donors (OD) are not identified. The goal is for everyone to receive an organ transplant in a timely and equitable manner, and for every potential OD to be identified. Emergency department (ED) staff play an important role in identifying an OD because they often encounter critically neurologically ill patients in their work.

The purpose of the study was to find out, based on the experiences of ED staff, which factors influence the identification of potential ODs and how the identification of a potential OD can be improved. The aim was to improve the identification of potential ODs at the ED and thereby increase the number of potential ODs. The data was collected from nurses and doctors working in the ED in one hospital district using a Webropol survey (n=15). The results were qualitatively analyzed by inductive content analysis.

According to the experience of the staff, it was challenging to identify a potential OD. Recognition was impaired by, for example, the patient's advanced age or several underlying diseases, lack of open communication, and urgency. The experience of the treatment team plays an important role in both identifying and treating a potential OD. Guidelines were needed, especially for identification. Increasing training and open dialogue as well as developing a clear operating model were considered ways to improve the identification of a potential OD. The attitude of the staff towards organ donation was positive, and the desire to identify all potential organ donors was great.

The research results can be utilized in the development of the operation of the ED regarding the identification of potential ODs. By increasing training, inter-unit co-operation and dialogue between staff, it is possible to develop operations.