Swedish Intensive Care Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Views on Donation After Circulatory Death Before a National Implementation

Overview

Journal SAGE Open Nurs

Publisher Sage Publications

Specialty Nursing

Date 2024 Aug 26

PMID 39185507

Authors

Emilie Gripewall

Lisbeth Fagerstrom

Christine Kumlien

Janet Mattsson

Linda Nyholm

Gunilla Bjorling

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: An increasing population and a shortage of identified potential organ donors are causing the waiting list for organ transplants to grow continuously. Donation after circulatory death (DCD) is a method aimed at meeting the demand for transplantable organs. However, it presents new challenges in nursing care, and there is a lack of studies investigating nurses' attitudes and knowledge of DCD.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine and describe intensive care nurses' (ICNs') knowledge, attitudes, and views on DCD before a national implementation in Sweden.

Method: This study utilized a cross-sectional mixed-method design. A convenience sampling method was employed, targeting ICNs working in four intensive care units in Sweden. A study-specific tool comprising fixed and free-text questions was developed. Fifty-one ICNs participated. Data were analyzed descriptively, and correlation analysis was performed using Spearman's correlation. Free-text answers were qualitatively assessed and analyzed. An integrated analysis was conducted to synthesize the quantitative and qualitative findings.

Results: Fifty-three percent reported limited knowledge about DCD. Nurses with previous education on DCD had significantly higher knowledge ( = .380, = .006), were more engaged with the public debate on organ donation ( = .423, = .002), and considered the ethical aspects of DCD more thoroughly ( = .386, = .022). The qualitative analysis identified four key categories: and . The integrated analysis underscored the need for targeted education, clear guidelines, and ongoing ethical discussions to prepare ICU nurses for DCD.

Conclusion: Nurses educated in organ donor care had better knowledge and a more positive attitude toward DCD implementation. The study also highlights the importance of interprofessional teamwork in DCD implementation. The findings suggest that education on DCD could improve the identification and implementation of DCD donors, addressing the global shortage of transplantable organs.

Citing Articles

Nurse Specialist in the Organ and Tissue Donation Process with Coordination Role: A Scoping Review.

Longo D, Ramacciati N, Giusti G Nurs Rep. 2025; 15(2).

PMID: 39997775 PMC: 11857986. DOI: 10.3390/nursrep15020039.

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