International Operating Room Nurses' Challenges in Providing Person-Centered Care During Organ Procurement Surgery

Abstract

PurposeInternational operating room (OR) nurses assisting in organ procurement surgery believe that it is their responsibility to provide continued and comprehensive person-centered care to donors through their surgical journeys. This study explored the challenges these nurses encountered in providing person-centered care during surgical care stages of organ procurement surgery in Australia. DesignThe phenomenological approach by van Manen was used to portray 18 OR nurses' organ procurement experiences. MethodsSemistructured interview data were transcribed verbatim. FindingsInternational OR nurses encountered challenges in providing person-centered care during organ procurement surgery, which were described in different surgical care stages. They faced emotional challenges in handling family grief and clinical challenges in interacting with other health professionals. These challenges could cause personal distress and affect their professional practice. ConclusionsRecognizing and managing these challenges is essential for supporting staff and providing quality person-centered care to deceased donors and their families during the organ procurement process.