Grief, Stress, Trauma, and Support During the Organ Donation Process

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Psychology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The organ donation process presents significant emotional and ethical challenges for donor families and multidisciplinary teams.
• Existing research often examines individual healthcare roles separately, lacking a holistic view of team dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and qualitatively synthesize existing literature on the experiences of healthcare professionals involved in organ donation.
• To identify common stressors, interdisciplinary tensions, and potential strategies for improving team functioning and family care.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies.
• Qualitative synthesis was employed to consolidate findings on interactions and relationships among role players.

Main Results:

• Healthcare professionals face common stressors and interdisciplinary tensions despite differing roles and perspectives.
• A shared goal of patient and family care unites the multidisciplinary team.
• Improved understanding, trust, and respect among staff can enhance functioning within the complex system of organ donation.

Conclusions:

• Focusing on shared goals, such as bereavement care and family well-being, can foster interdisciplinary collaboration and reduce role stress.
• Education in systems thinking, anticipatory mourning, and self-care strategies can improve staff efficacy and teamwork.
• Prioritizing psychosocial outcomes enhances family satisfaction and supports the personal and professional growth of healthcare providers.