Stressors experienced by the family members of brain-dead people during the process of organ donation: A qualitative study

Death Stud. 2020;44(12):759-770. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2019.1609137. Epub 2019 May 6.

Abstract

More is known about organ donor recipients than donor families. We explored the stressors experienced by family members of brain-dead people during the process of organ donation. Seventeen family members and five organ procurers were interviewed and the data analyzed through conventional qualitative content analysis. Stressors experienced by family members fell into six themes-perceived threat of loss, decision making under conflict, painful corrosive farewell, feeling of insecurity, complexity of grief, and seeking relief. Findings highlight the necessity of developing and using standard protocols for supporting brain-dead people's family members throughout the process of organ donation and following bereavement.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bereavement*
  • Brain Death*
  • Decision Making*
  • Family / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Qualitative Research
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*
  • Tissue and Organ Procurement*