A nursing team’s perceptions in the care to patients with brain death

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This descriptive-exploratory study was performed in the Adult Intensive Care Unit of a public hospital in Southern Brazil. The objective was to understand the perceptions of the nursing team in the care to patients with brain death. Data collection was performed using a self-administered questionnaire. The team considers to be qualified to provide care to patients with brain death, but requires continuing education. The highlighted difficulties were: family relationships and the institution’s logistic-administrative structure. The nursing workers realize their importance in maintaining the potential donor, in supervising/organizing the team, and in providing family support. The identified suggestions to improve the service were: continuing education and making improvements to the logistical-administrative structure and family support. The study showed the importance of the team in the care to patients with brain death, the need for preparation to deal with the families, and to improve knowledge aiming at a safe and high-quality care.

Descriptors: Brain Death; Organ Transplantation; Intensive Care Units; Nursing, Team.