[Crisis intervention and requests for organ donation--impossible to reconcile?]

A request for organ donation after a patient's death imposes a strong emotional impact both on the family and on the medical staff. How well the family copes with the loss of a close relative is subject to a variety of factors including the immediate emotional support provided by the staff. On the other hand, a donation request, if made with sensitivity, may in combination with adequate psychological support facilitate the grieving process. Health care professionals need emotional support and training to help them deal with the difficulties of caring for bereaved families, of breaking bad news, and of making organ donation requests.