Decision making by relatives of eligible brain dead organ donors

Abstract

This thesis concerns the decision making process of relatives, who are requested to give consent for organ donation of their beloved brain dead patient. We did a literature review. Proxies are not always satisfied about their decision: 10% of families regrets consent, but over 33% of relatives who refuse donation regret their refusal afterwards. Focus interviews with physicians, ICU-nurses and transplant coordinators show that these caregivers are not aware of this regret. Relatives were approached with in deptht interviews about their decision making (proxies who gave consent as well as who refused donation).Relatives followed always the wish of the patient who was registered in the National Donor Register. If the patient was not registered, families did not always follow his wish –if known. In cases when the wish was not known, relatives mostly refused donation. These relatives are often ambivalent about their decision. Support in decision making is advised for these situations.