The nurse's role in organ donation from a brainstem dead patient: management of the family.
This paper suggests ways in which the nurse in charge of a brainstem dead patient can help in the management of the patient's family so that they can more easily and effectively come to terms with his or her death and consider the possibility of organ donation. Many nurses, in spite of their basic training, are unprepared to assume such a role successfully, and three areas are preliminarily identified for closer study, i.e. 1) the preparation of the family for brainstem death, 2) the approach to the family for possible organ donation, and 3) the care of the family throughout the process of organ donation. Certain recommendations are suggested which might help to promote the necessary caring approach to the problem. Review of literature on the nurse's role in such a situation shows how important that role is thought to be. Guidelines are tentatively laid down for explaining brainstem death and preparing the family for it; and the importance of their acceptance of the finality of death is stressed, so that they can begin the essential grieving process. Emphasis is also laid on the need for the nurse to adopt a sensitive, caring and supportive attitude which will help the family in their bereavement and encourage them to accept the possibility of organ donation. In conclusion, it is recommended that nurses be provided with more detailed advice and guidance on managing the family in the many aspects of such a situation.
Johnson
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D001926:Brain Death / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology*; D012380:Role; D014019:Tissue Donors