General practitioners: 82 % clarify about organ donation - preserve positive reactions!

General practitioners: 82 % clarify about organ donation - preserve positive reactions!

Deutschland - On April 8, 2025, the Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG) published the results of an important study that examines the significant contribution of the general practitioner for clarification of organ and tissue donation. Around 82 % of the general practitioners surveyed have had information talks on this topic over the past two years. This shows the commitment of general practitioners in Germany, which actively educate the population about the possibilities and importance of organ donation.

The survey, which is part of the study "Survey of general practitioners and donations of organ and tissue in Germany in 2024", showed that about 50 % of general practitioners received positive feedback from patients who were willing to donate. Only 3 % of those surveyed reported negative attitudes on this sensitive topic. In addition, 43 % stated that they have observed different reactions.

a comprehensive range of support

Since March 2022, general practitioners have had the opportunity to offer comprehensive consultations for organ and tissue donations every two years. They are supported by a specific offer from the BIÖG, which was developed in cooperation with the general practitioner association. The results show that 87 % of the general practitioners surveyed feel sufficiently informed to advise comprehensively. In addition, 59 % of family practices received the BIÖG standard information package.

of these practices have passed on 72 % information materials to their patients. Interestingly, 61 % of patients reacted positively to the proactive address of general practitioners, while 43 % reacted neutrally to organ donation. These positive feedback underline the importance of information from the general practitioners who act as confidants.

support structures for general practitioners

The representative survey included 359 practicing general practitioners, general practitioners and practical doctors. The BIÖG also provides extensive information materials and brochures that support the general practices. A free information telephone can be reached for personal consultations on 0800 90 40 400 Monday to Friday. These offers help both the doctors and the patients to deal more intensively with the topic of organ donation.

For further information and detailed presentations for organ donation, interested parties can be the extensive media library of the BIÖG at

The results of the survey show that the information about organ donation is an important concern of the general practitioner and can have a major impact on the attitude of the population on this topic. The commitment of the general practitioners could therefore make a decisive contribution to increasing the willingness to donate organ in Germany and thus saving life.