Objective: Considering the challenges faced by members of the Intrahospital Committee of Organ and Tissue Donation for Transplantation (CIHDOTT) of a Brazilian hospital complex in Santa Casa of Belo Horizonte in the execution of multiple donations of organs and tissues, this study aimed to investigate the issues involved in the intention to donate within this population. This research sought to promote the work of CIHDOTT by planning strategies for conducting of family interviews to best meet the needs of this population, thereby contributing to reduce the wait-list for transplantations in this state hospital of Minas Gerais.
Methods: The survey was performed by applying a standard questionnaire to 602 respondents comprising patients and families/caregivers. The analysis of the collected data was developed from studies of contingency tables based on chi- square and Fisher exact tests.
Results: The analysis revealed that 94% of the population to be favorable to donation. It also showed a significant influence of the following factors to determining the likelihood of organ donation: knowledge of religion (35%), spouse's opinion (17%), as well as belief in the possibility of interference or delay of the funeral as a result of donation (6%).
Conclusion: Although the population expressed a willingness to donate, there were significant contravening factors that may be addressed by professional training and informational activities.
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