Donar, un cambio de vida: comprender la experiencia de familiares que aceptaron la donación de órganos

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Most organ donors are already death. Therefore family members become an essential link in the final decision for organ donation.AIM: To get acquainted about the life lessons of people who accepted donating an organ of a deceased family member.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Qualitative research, in depth interviews to eight families that accepted donating an organ of a deceased family member. The interviews were analyzed using the method proposed by Streubert et al and modified by Rivera.RESULTS: The life lessons are described in six comprehensive categories. The painful experience changed towards the feeling that the loved one remains alive. This sensation generated a sense of pride in family members and sensitized them towards the painful experience of other people. Therefore, a desire to help and improve as humans beings was awakened.CONCLUSIONS: A compassionate approach towards families donating organs with improve organ donation and humanize the process.