Organ donation should not be discussed until the whānau has understood that death is inevitable.
ODNZ recommends these conversations are held in person, by a health professional who is familiar with the language and process of donation. Offering donation is a process and may involve a series of conversations.
Sometimes whānau raise donation before the prognosis is clear. Acknowledge it sensitively and document it in the clinical record. Tell them the immediate treatment plan, and that the treating team will take responsibility for discussing organ and tissue donation with them in future, should it become appropriate.
Your role is to give the whānau information and support them to make an informed decision. It is not to persuade or to discourage.
The discussion with whānau differs depending on the clinical setting.
Organ donation should not be discussed until the whānau has understood that death is inevitable.
ODNZ recommends these conversations are held in person, by a health professional who is familiar with the language and process of donation. Offering donation is a process and may involve a series of conversations.
Sometimes whānau raise donation before the prognosis is clear. Acknowledge it sensitively and document it in the clinical record. Tell them the immediate treatment plan, and that the treating team will take responsibility for discussing organ and tissue donation with them in future, should it become appropriate.
Your role is to give the whānau information and support them to make an informed decision. It is not to persuade or to discourage.
The discussion with whānau differs depending on the clinical setting.