The thoughts of the family members related to the authorization of organs and tissues donation for transplants

Abstract

Purpose: To reveal the thoughts of the family members related to the authorization to donate organs and tissues for transplantation. Method: 16 family members who consented in the organs donation in 2007 were individually interviewed, being: seven sons, five fathers, three siblings and one spouse. The interviews were based on the following guiding question: “What did you think when you signed the authorization for organ donation?” Results: The age of the family members varied from 25 to 64 years, with mean age of 41.50 (±10.95) years. The altruism prevailed with 56.25%, followed by the feeling of “signing off the death” of the family member, 18.75%. Conclusion: To consent in the donation carries several meanings for the family, and to understand the aspects involved in the authorization facilitates the development of the nursing care plan, hence reducing the stress and suffering of the family members.