Barriers to Organ Donation - A qualitative study of intensive care nurses’ experiences

Abstract

Background An increasing number of patients affected by organ failure can be treated with organ transplantation. The need for organs available for transplantation is critical and patients die while on the transplant list. Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses are essential in facilitating organ donation through their ceaseless bedside care for potential organ donors and their families. Aims and objectives The aim of this study was to describe the challenges faced by ICU nurses in the organ donation process. Design A descriptive qualitative study design was used. Method Semistructured individual interviews of 9 ICU nurses from 1 university hospital were performed. Data were analyzed using Malterud's systematic text condensation. Results Three themes describe the core of the results: (1) practical tasks, (2) challenging care for the next of kin, and (3) ethical and emotional challenges. Conclusions Practical tasks represent challenges in the organ donation process that are not previously revealed. Actions to address these challenges should be prioritized to promote organ donation. Simulation-based training may optimize practical aspects of the organ donation process and implementation of simulation-based training should be assessed by future research.