Excellence in Deceased Donation and End-of-Life Care Course

Course Date: 24 February, 26 May and 13 October 2026
Location: University of Cape Town (In person)
Time: 08h00 to 17h00
Duration: 2 days
Application Deadline: View course provider schedule

About the course

Supporting deceased donation in the South African environment is difficult. South African health systems have a low rate of donation, paired with an overwhelming demand for tissue and long waiting lists for organ recipients. A single deceased donor can benefit 60 people with tissue donation and 7 people with organ donation.

In this two-day in-person short course we combine informative lectures, case-based discussions and simulations across the full range of deceased donation possibilities. Designed to empower healthcare professionals to identify potential donors early, navigate complicated end of life scenarios and to communicate with families clearly, compassionately and effectively, this course will help create skilled advocates for donation after both circulatory and brain death in our challenging environments such as ICU and emergency centres.

Presented by leading experts in critical care, organ and tissue donation, palliative care, and transplantation. This state-of-the-art course is based on the NHS Deceased Donation course and ANZICS Best Practice in Offering Organ and Tissue Donation.

Course Content

The donation pathway, including identification of potential donors, and integration of end-of-life practices with best practise deceased donation.
Relevant South African law and ethics of organ and tissue donation, including withdrawal of treatment and ethical care for donors and family.
Communication skills for breaking bad news and for approaching families to discuss organ and tissue donation.
Understanding various role players within the organ donation process and how best to integrate them, including families and the healthcare team.