A Qualitative Examination of the Needs of Families Faced With the Option of Organ Donation

Abstract

In Brief Fewer than half of families approached about organ donation provide consent. Identifying specific support needs of family members in these situations is critical to help them cope and for improving consent rates. This focus group study retrospectively investigated donor and non-donor family members' perceived social support needs while facing the death of their loved one. Implications for nursing care and other interventions are discussed for interested healthcare providers. Many people die each year while waiting for an organ transplant. This focus group study investigated donor and non-donor family members' perceived social needs while facing the death of their loved one. Implications for critical care nurses are included.