Deceased donor care provided by the nurse transplant coordinator: A qualitative research study among Spanish nurses.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to describe the experience of nursing care provided to the deceased organ donor by the nurse transplant coordinator. Methods: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted within the National Transplant Organization and the Regional Office for Transplant Coordination. A purposive sampling method was used. Data collection methods included semistructured interviews. Sampling and data collection were pursued until the researchers achieved information redundancy. A systematic text condensation analysis was performed. The Guba and Lincoln criteria for guaranteeing trustworthiness were followed. Results: A total of 16 participants were recruited, and three themes were identified regarding care of organ donors by the nurse transplant coordinator during the organ donation process: (a) fulfilling the desire and will of the donor patient; (b) the family as an extension of the donor; (c) coordinating the organ donation process. Conclusions: The donation process is both complex and delicate, and nursing care is an essential component. The care provided by the nurse transplant coordinator has the donor at the centre of the process, driven by respect for their decision. The family is seen as an extension of the donor. Nursing care should focus on continuous, honest communication, coordinating care with the intensive care unit, ensuring privacy and intimacy. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? Spain is the world leader in organ donation, with a rate of 48.0 donations per million population.The nurse transplant coordinator plays a significant role in the organ donation process, dealing with the difficulties of a tight schedule, in order to shorten ischemia times, while addressing grief, family decision making and donor care. What this paper adds? The hospital‐based nurse transplant coordinator is an essential role that links the donor's family and health professionals related to the donor hospital. Support within the nurse transplant coordinator team is key for organization and to prevent failure of the organ donation process.Donor care interventions are aimed at facilitating the donation process while maintaining the dignity of donors.The donor's family needs constant communication, based on reliable, empathetic and organized information. These results highlight family care as part of the donor care provided by nurse transplant coordinators, seen as an extension of the donor. The implications of this paper: This study captures the importance of the hospital‐based nurse transplant coordinator as the role able to provide donor centre care, ensuring the success of the organ donation process.Hospital structures and intensive care units (ICUs) must guarantee adequate spaces for communication with the family, respecting privacy and specific family needs.Maintenance and improvement of support among nurse transplant coordinators should be implemented to coordinate times and ensure the safety and success of the organ donation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]