Emergency Physicians’ Experience of Communication About Brain-Death Organ and Tissue Donation
10.15715/kjhcom.2021.16.1.25
- Author:
Song Yi PARK
1
;
Hyun KIM
;
Kwi Hwa PARK
;
Seung Min PARK
;
Dong Eun LEE
;
Yong Hun JUNG
;
Won Joon JEONG
;
Kyung Hye PARK
Author Information
1. Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan, South Korea
- Publication Type:Research Article
- From:
Health Communication
2021;16(1):25-33
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:: Emergency physicians are increasingly participating in brain-death organ tissue donation (OTD).It is difficult communication to inform family members about suspected brain-death and potential donor.This study sought to explore the experiences and communication of emergency physicians in brain-death OTD.
Methods:: This is a qualitative study that interviewed 10 experienced emergency physicians with brain-death OTD and analyzed the data by thematic analysis method.
Results:: The study revealed 20 subthemes and 5 themes; 1) Families who are invited to donate organs make decisions after long periods of consideration by the entire family, 2) It is uncomfortable to recommend organ donation, 3) Explaining and obtaining consent is ‘the hardest job’ for the attending physician, 4) The way the attending physician does ‘the hardest job’ is by explaining, 5) Passively solicit donation.
Conclusion:: The experienced emergency physicians with brain-death OTD were using methods of communication to understand and sympathized with the family members and had abundant experiences. The findings of this study will help inexperienced emergency physicians with brain-death OTD.
