A national approach is being taken to combat a significant shortfall in organ and tissue donations. Annie May reports.

At this moment, there are more than 1700 Australians on official waiting lists - people hoping and praying that someone has had a conversation about organ donation with their family. However, even if this conversation has taken place, families must make decisions about organ and tissue donation for a loved one during intensely emotional circumstances, making support from others crucial to their coping. Critical care nurses play a vital role in providing this support and in communicating about organ donation, however there is evidence that both nursing and medical staff often have insufficient...