Brain Death and Organ Donation: Experiences of Families

Brain dead patients are important sources of preparing organs for patients with organ deficiency. The aim of this research was to show the experiences of families with brain dead patients regarding organ donation. This phenomenological qualitative research used deep, nonstructural interaction to collect data from families during 2010 in Kerman, Iran. Data was collected by interaction with 13 first degree relatives of 8 brain dead patients. The data was then analyzed by qualitative content analysis methods according to Colaizzi's method. The results revealed 3 main themes of unknown, swmard, dependent and elevation. Each theme was divided into different subthemes. The subthemes of interaction included knowledge, anxiousness, questions, contact with person and families, and treating the patient. group of fear and doubt, remorse, Save probeb: un acceptibility, special belief, scrupulous thought. And in sub groop of evaluation is: actuality of acceptance, the human race, religious belief, growth in head situation.and sub groop of dependence wes: interest, expectation and general ties. According to different experiences of families, deciding in a short time needs a proper and complete support in crisis situation. In addition, appropriate and timely knowledge about the process of brain death and organ donation would help reduce problems faced by families. A better understanding of the situation and promoting humanity and religious beliefs among families would reduce wrong thoughts and confounding factors and thus ease the donation process.