title: Brain stem death and organ donation.
abstract: Our understanding of the concept and definition of death has changed over time. The British contribution to the body of knowledge on the diagnosis of brain steam death was the publication by the medical royal colleges (1976) of diagnostic criteria. Most literature and research which explores the knowledge and attitudes of nurses towards the concept of brain stem death is from the USA. Several issues which arise from the literature are discussed in relation to organ donation. Further UK-based research is required.
authors.affiliation: Bristol Royal Infirmary.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Davies
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001926:Brain Death / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D001933:Brain Stem; D036262:Empirical Research; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006113:United Kingdom