Abstract
Objective
The family is the main component for organ donation. This study describes the experience of the donor’s family with the nursing care during the donation process.
Methods
A phenomenological study was applied. Participants were family members who accepted the donation of organs from a relative in hospitals, using purposeful sampling. In-depth interviews and field notes were conducted. A thematic analysis was performed.
Results
Three themes were identified: Positive aspect of intensive care unit nurses’ care; Positive aspects of nurses transplant coordinators’ care; and Improvable aspects of nursing care during the organ donation process. The flexibility of hours in the intensive care unit to favor the accompaniment of family members, and to provide adequate and adapted information about the donation are outstanding care for families. They highlight areas for improvement related to intimacy and privacy during the donation process.
Conclusion
Donor’s families appreciate and value nursing care within the organ donation process.
Tissue donor; Organ transplantation; Nursing care; Family