Factors that influence the care of family members of patients with brain death

Abstract

Objective: to understand the interventions arising from nursing care for family members of patients diagnosed with brain death. Method: Qualitative research with theoretical and methodological support in Grounded Theory. The study scenario was the Intensive Care Unit of a reference hospital in the care of patients with brain death and in the donation of organs and tissues in southern Brazil. Data collection took place from September to November 2014, comprising the theoretical sample of 23 participants distributed in 3 sample groups. Results: the following interventions emerged: “Perceiving the family's incomprehension about the diagnosis of BD”, “Evidencing Nursing in the care of family members of patients diagnosed with BD” and “Preparing themselves to care for the families of patients diagnosed with BD”. Conclusion: the family members were not clear about the diagnosis of brain death and, consequently, of the entire process of organ and tissue donation. In this context, nursing became an indispensable profession and the Intra-Hospital Commission for Donating Organs and Tissues for Transplants as an important resource for the instrumentalization of nurses and staff, in the care and approach of family members of patients diagnosed with brain death.