Care of (potentially) brain-dead patients: A qualitative study protocol.

Abstract

Aim of this study was to describe the experiences of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses, physicians and relatives of (potentially) brain dead patients; and to develop recommendations to optimize the workflows on ICUs. Limited published information on caring for brain dead patients suggest it to be a burden for the nursing staff. It also remains unclear how physicians and relatives of (potentially) brain dead patients perceive these experiences. Interpretive phenomenology according to Benner. Medical caregivers (nurses' und physicians) from multiple wards in a German University Medical Center and relatives of (potentially) brain dead patients will be interviewed. Data collection will include episodic interviews with participants' experiences in care of (potentially) brain dead patients. The study is funded by the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts, Baden-Württemberg (1 February 2016). Gaining insights into caring for (potentially) brain dead patients and its associated burden will lead to the development of better recommendations to assist all people involved. Expand the understanding of the experience of healthcare professionals in the care for (potentially) brain dead patients. Understand the experience of relatives of (potentially) brain dead patients. Findings from this study will support the development of recommendations for action by a multi-professional expert group consisting of nurses, physicians, healthcare managers and patient advocates. Protocol version. German Register for Clinical Studies (Registration No. DRKS00010420) Database of Health Services Research Germany (Project Nr. VfD_16_003710).