Do nursing students understand the meaning of brain death?

Currently, the concept of "brain death" is central to understanding death. An understanding of this concept could be decisive when information is provided to the general public. Nurses are fundamental players in this area because they measure the vital signs of patients and play important role in therapies such as organ donation and transplantation (ODT). We sought to determine the knowledge of nursing students about the concept of brain death.

A multicenter study that included Nursing Diploma students (n = 721) studying in academic 2005 and 2006 year at 3 universities in the southeast of Spain. We used a validated psychosocial questionnaire. Students were recruited in compulsory classes. The questionnaires were self-administered and anonymous. The Student t-test and the chi(2) test were applied.

The questionnaire completion rate was 98% (n = 721). A total of 70% (n = 508) of students correctly understood the concept of brain death; 27% (n = 193) had doubts; 3% (n = 20) believed a person with brain death could recover to lead a normal life. Knowledge was greater among final year than first year students (81% vs 59%; P = .000). However, knowledge was not related to their university or their attitude toward ODT. Eighty-seven percent (n = 630) believed it would be interesting to receive a talk about brain death and its relationship to ODT.

Thirty percent of nursing students did not know or had doubts about the concept of brain death. It is therefore important to take this group into account in information campaigns to improve training of these future professionals.