BRAIN DEATH AND DONATION
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Brain Death and Donation Orientation Video |
HOW HOSPITAL STAFF PLAYS A ROLE IN BRAIN DEATH
Staff responsibilities vary depending on hospital protocols, the individuals involved and the needs of the family. Here are some general guidelines:
PHYSICIAN
• Manages patient care • Works to preserve life until brain death testing results have been completed • Physician declares patient’s brain death • Serves as an advocate for the family and ensures families are offered the option of donation by LifeShare • Physician continues clinical management to preserve organ viability in collaboration with LifeShare NURSE
• Provides ongoing care to families throughout the patient’s hospitalization • Makes the referral call to LifeShare about the potential donor • Coordinates the clinical management of the patient and support for the family in collaboration with LifeShare PASTORAL CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES • Meets spiritual, religious and other needs of the patient and family • Serves as family advocate in collaboration with medical and nursing staff |
HOW THE BRAIN DEATH PROCESS WORKS
The needs and wishes of the patient’s family are always kept in focus by the medical team, by the LifeShare staff members and by social workers and clergy. The donation decision is made in the midst of enormous personal loss. Sensitivity, the willingness to listen and the ability to explain procedures in common terms can make organ donation an easier decision for families to make. It is a compassionate team effort.
Step Two
Testing for Brain Death When the medical team has exhausted all possible lifesaving efforts and the patient is not responding, a physician will perform a series of tests, usually on multiple occasions, to determine if brain death has occurred. Patients who are brain dead have no brain activity and cannot breathe on their own. Brain death is death and is irreversible. |