Brain death criteria knowledge and attitude toward organ donation m medical and non medical hospital staff in the district of naples (italy)

In the area of Naples the rate of organ donation has remained significantly low during the last decades. Three crucial factors are involved in such a phenomenon: 1) the italian laws concerning brain death and organ donation, which have been modified and updated in recent years, especially as far as the consensus is concerned; 2) the organization of general and university hospitals, in particular in the area of the intensive care units, and the specific attitude of both medical and paramedical professionals; 3) the 'culture' of organs donation among the citizens of the Naples area, where an accurate and detailed information and education campaign appears mandatory, but only after a specific campaign selectively dedicated to the health professionals working in the hospitals network.