Coping with relatives during end-of-life decisions

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Medical Ethics
• Public Health

Background:

• Legislative changes in Italy have increased nurse autonomy in healthcare.
• Nurses frequently encounter complex technical and interpersonal challenges in organ donation scenarios.
• Effective communication with grieving families is paramount in the organ donation process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the evolving role and responsibilities of nurses in organ donation in Italy.
• To highlight the complexities of communication and decision-making during end-of-life organ donation discussions.
• To underscore the emotional impact on families and healthcare professionals involved in organ donation.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of nurse experiences in organ donation coordination.
• Observation of communication strategies between nurses, doctors, and families.
• Review of legislative frameworks influencing nursing practice in organ donation.

Main Results:

• Nurses act as key facilitators in discussions about organ donation with families.
• Successful organ donation requires sensitive communication, adapting to family backgrounds.
• The process is emotionally taxing for families and healthcare workers, sometimes requiring psychological support for nurses.

Conclusions:

• The increased independence of nurses in Italy necessitates robust training for organ donation coordination.
• Empathy and tailored communication are vital for supporting families through the donation decision.
• Post-interview psychological support for nurses is essential due to the high-stress nature of the role.