title: Organ donation terminology: are we communicating life or death?
abstract: The continued functioning of organ transplantation depends on obtaining the permission of the next of kin. This communication process between medical or transplant professionals and a donor family hinges heavily on the understanding of certain critical terms like brain dead, life support, and transplantation. Communication issues in obtaining organ donation consent were examined, with particular focus on what are literally life-and-death decisions. Using an experimental simulation methodology, data are offered in support of the claim that much miscommunication occurs in such situations. Directions for improving such communication by allaying latent fears and more carefully defining crucial terminology are offered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506-5302.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Jasper
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001926:Brain Death / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008297:Male; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000523:psychology*; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000379:methods*