Abstract:
When a person dies, tissue donation is possible in most circumstances, but raising the option of tissue donation with family is difficult at such a stressful time. It is suggested that a lack of education and experience deters nurses from entering into that conversation. However, this impacts on the availability of tissue for transplantation. This study explores the impact of simulation education on the nurses’ perception and experiences of raising the option of tissue donation with families of deceased patients in an intensive care unit. A qualitative descriptive approach using semi-structured interviews was used. Twenty-one nurses took part in simulated education sessions involving family conversations about tissue donation. Five of these consented to be interviewed about their perceptions and the impact of the simulation on their clinical practice. Thematic analysis revealed four main themes: rehearsal, confidence, the nurse-family relationship, and sharing. The nurses gained a better understanding of the language to use to raise the option of tissue donation. All appreciated the opportunity to learn from each other and share experiences. The simulation reassured the nurses that their role is to raise the option of tissue donation rather than seek family consent. This study provides evidence that simulated tissue donation conversations are of benefit to nurses in the intensive care unit. Increasing nurses’ confidence and abilities in raising the option of tissue donation will potentially impact on the availability of tissue for transplantation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
