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Ben-Shlomo S, Oreg A, Cohen N. Families of organ donors between Jews and Arabs in Israel during a military operation: Constructing meaning through participation in an epistemic Community - Media analysis of two cases. DEATH STUDIES 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38635693 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2024.2341881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
This study explores how bereaved families of organ donors become participants in an 'imagined epistemic community' of organ donor families, amidst a national conflict between Jews and Arabs in Israel. Utilizing a media case study approach, we identified factors contributing to the creation of this bi-national community and examined what the families received in return for their part. Additionally, we explored the reasons behind the community splitting into two separate entities. Based on the media reports, we suggest that entry into the community is conditional on donating organs during wartime, granting these families a special moral status in return, resonating messages of altruism, solidarity and coexistence. Further to this, we propose that when the Arab family felt they did not receive the expected recognition, they withdrew from the common community in favor of a separate national community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Ben-Shlomo
- The Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Israel
| | - Ayelet Oreg
- The Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Israel
| | - Noaz Cohen
- The Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Israel
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Dicks SG, Northam HL, van Haren FM, Boer DP. The bereavement experiences of families of potential organ donors: a qualitative longitudinal case study illuminating opportunities for family care. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2023; 18:2149100. [PMID: 36469685 PMCID: PMC9731585 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2022.2149100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To illuminate opportunities for care in the context of deceased organ donation by exploring pre-existing family and healthcare professional characteristics, in-hospital experiences, and ongoing adjustment through the lenses of grief theory, systems theory, meaning-making, narrative, and organ donation literature. METHOD Qualitative longitudinal case studies explored individual and family change in five Australian families who had consented to Donation after Circulatory Determination of Death at a single centre. Participants attended semi-structured interviews at four, eight, and twelve months after the death. FINDINGS Family values, pre-existing relationships, and in-hospital experiences influenced first responses to their changed lives, understanding of the patient's death, and ongoing family adjustment. Novel behaviour that was conguent with family values was required at the hospital, especially if the patient had previously played a key role in family decision-making. This behaviour and emerging interactional patterns were drawn into family life over the first year of their bereavement. RECOMMENDATIONS Training that includes lenses introduced in this study will enable healthcare professionals to confidently respond to individual and family psychosocial needs. CONCLUSION The lenses of grief theory and systems thinking highlight opportunities for care tailored to the unique in-hospital context and needs that emerge in the months that follow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean G. Dicks
- Department of Psychology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia,CONTACT Sean G. Dicks Department of Psychology, University of Canberra, Kirinari St, Bruce, Canberra2617, Australia
| | - Holly L. Northam
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | | | - Douglas P. Boer
- Department of Psychology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
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Bjelland S, Jones K. A Systematic Review on Improving the Family Experience After Consent for Deceased Organ Donation. Prog Transplant 2022; 32:152-166. [DOI: 10.1177/15269248221087429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The demand for transplanted organs outweighs the supply and intensifies the need to improve care for donor families. Studies have shown inadequate care by hospital staff can increase posttraumatic stress disorder and complicated grief in these families but putting solutions into practice remains slow. Objective This systematic review identified factors that relieve or contribute to distress for deceased organ donor families in the time since the decision to donate. Additionally, it provides insights into potential improvements at public health, educational, and health system levels to address these deficiencies. Methods Search terms included organ don*, famil* or relati*, family-centered, grief, and experience*. The search covered original research articles, published in English, from 2014 to July 2021. Results Four key themes emerged among the studies. (a) Understanding factors that affect the emotional aftermath can help staff prevent posttraumatic stress disorder and complicated grief. (b) Improving communication by hospital staff includes: avoiding medical jargon, providing adequate audio and visual explanations, and understanding that the next of kin is struggling to comprehend the tragedy and the information they are being told. (c) End-of-life care such as memory making, bringing in palliative care resources, and parting ceremonies can assist with familial coping as well as staff interactions. (d) Families want more support in the months and years after the donation decision. Discussion Changes at multiple levels can improve the quality of care for families whose relative gave the gift of life, but more research and translation into practice are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Bjelland
- University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Krista Jones
- Department of Population Health Nursing Science, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing, Urbana, IL, USA
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Tadros S, Carley H, Lucassen A. From Beyond the Grave: Use of Medical Information from the Deceased to Guide Care of Living Relatives. CURRENT GENETIC MEDICINE REPORTS 2020; 8:147-153. [PMID: 33251050 PMCID: PMC7683580 DOI: 10.1007/s40142-020-00196-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review In order to inform patients of their genetic risks, access to the medical records and/or stored samples of their relatives is often helpful. We consider some of the obstacles to such access when these relatives are deceased and suggest how they might be navigated. Recent Findings We explore an issue first highlighted in 2004 by Lucassen et al. (Br Med J 328:952-953, 2004) and re-evaluate it in the wake of novel technologies and mainstreaming of genomic medicine. We find that it is still an issue in practice despite professional guidelines advocating access to familial information (Joint Committee on Genomics in Medicine 2019) and that the Human Tissue Act 2004 is often wrongly constructed as a reason to block access. Access is often obstructed by failing to adopt the necessary relational concept of autonomy that applies in genetic medicine as reported by Horton and Lucassen (Curr Genet Med Rep 7:85-91, 2019) and by considering confidentiality to be absolute, even after death. In response to a recent legal case about the confidentiality of genetic test results, and their disclosure to family members (ABC v St George's Healthcare NHS Trust 2020), Dove et al. (J Med Ethics 45:504-507, 2019) suggested that a duty to consider the interests of genetic relatives could co-exist alongside a duty of confidentiality to a patient. In this way, healthcare professionals can use professional judgement about the relative value of genetic information to family members. This is equally relevant in accessing deceased relatives' information. A recent systematic review found a high level of acceptability of postmortem use of genetic data for medical research amongst participants and their relatives, and it is reasonable to assume that this acceptability would extend to clinical practice as reported by Bak et al. (Eur J Hum Genet 28:403-416, 2020). Summary Within clinical practice, access to medical records/samples of deceased relatives is often obstructed unnecessarily, potentially resulting in harm to the living relatives seeking advice. Consent to such access is important but need not be the bureaucratic hurdle that is often imposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shereen Tadros
- North East Thames Regional Genetics Service, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.,St. George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London, SW17 0RE UK
| | - Helena Carley
- St. George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London, SW17 0RE UK.,South East Thames Regional Genetics Service, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.,South West Thames Regional Genetics Service, St George's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Anneke Lucassen
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Soria-Oliver M, Aramayona B, López JS, Martín MJ, Martínez JM, Sáenz R, García-Sánchez R. Grief Reactions of Potential Organ Donors' Bereaved Relatives: An Observational Study. Am J Crit Care 2020; 29:358-368. [PMID: 32869074 DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2020960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most family members of potential organ donors experience the death of their relative in an intensive care unit. While under an emotional burden, bereaved relatives must make a decision that will affect the life of other patients. A better understanding of grief within the context of organ donation will help intensive care unit staff better support families during this process. OBJECTIVES To empirically describe the emotional reactions of potential organ donors' family members facing a loved one's death and analyze the relationship of these reactions to factors that occur in the process of illness and death. METHODS A prospective observational study was conducted in 16 Spanish hospitals for 36 months. Data of 421 relatives of potential organ donors, collected through a previously validated instrument, included relatives' emotional responses, deceased's and relatives' characteristics, circumstances of death, and behavior of health care staff. RESULTS Unexpected deaths were linked to more intense emotional reactions and less acceptance of death than were anticipated deaths. Additional stressors, such as perception of poor treatment by hospital staff, perception of deficient medical care, and poor relationships among family members, were associated with stronger reactions. CONCLUSIONS Observation and analysis of the factors studied may help hospital staff members anticipate bereaved relatives' emotional reactions and provide better support during the grieving process, increasing family members' well-being and facilitating a better-informed organ donation decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Soria-Oliver
- María Soria-Oliver is an associate professor of social psychology and vice-dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, UNIR–International University of La Rioja, Spain
| | - Begoña Aramayona
- Begoña Aramayona is an undergraduate fellow, María J. Martín and José M. Martínez are associate professors, and Rubén García-Sánchez is an assistant professor in the Department of Social Psychology and Methods, Faculty of Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge S. López
- Jorge S. López is an associate professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Spain, and a member of the IdiSNA, Navarre Institute for Health Research
| | - María J. Martín
- Begoña Aramayona is an undergraduate fellow, María J. Martín and José M. Martínez are associate professors, and Rubén García-Sánchez is an assistant professor in the Department of Social Psychology and Methods, Faculty of Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain
| | - José M. Martínez
- Begoña Aramayona is an undergraduate fellow, María J. Martín and José M. Martínez are associate professors, and Rubén García-Sánchez is an assistant professor in the Department of Social Psychology and Methods, Faculty of Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Sáenz
- Raquel Sáenz is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre
| | - Rubén García-Sánchez
- Begoña Aramayona is an undergraduate fellow, María J. Martín and José M. Martínez are associate professors, and Rubén García-Sánchez is an assistant professor in the Department of Social Psychology and Methods, Faculty of Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain
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Dicks SG, Burkolter N, Jackson LC, Northam HL, Boer DP, van Haren FM. Grief, Stress, Trauma, and Support During the Organ Donation Process. Transplant Direct 2020; 6:e512. [PMID: 32047840 PMCID: PMC6964929 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000000957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The organ donation process is complex and stressful for the family of the potential donor and members of the multidisciplinary team who may experience grief, ethical dilemmas, vicarious trauma, or compassion fatigue. Several studies each explore the role of a specific healthcare group and the impact of inhospital processes on group members. We conducted a systematic literature search to identify such studies and a qualitative synthesis to consolidate findings and highlight features of the interaction and relationships between role players. Our results suggest that, while healthcare professionals have different roles, attitudes, and views, the experience of stressors and interdisciplinary tension is common. Nevertheless, staff are united by the goal of caring for the patient and family. We therefore propose that, while focusing on bereavement care and other aspects of the family's experience, staff can find other shared goals and develop understanding, trust, empathy, and respect for each other's positions, thereby improving functioning in the complex adaptive system that forms at this time. Education and training can equip staff to facilitate anticipatory mourning, family-led activities, and a meaningful parting from their relative, assisting families with their grief and increasing staff members' efficacy, confidence, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Knowledge of systems thinking and opportunities to share ideas and experiences will enable staff to appreciate each other's roles, while supportive mentors, self-care strategies, and meaningful feedback between role players will foster healthy adjustment and shared learning. A focus on psychosocial outcomes such as family satisfaction with the process, collaboration within the multidisciplinary team, and reduction in the role stress of healthcare professionals will contribute to family well-being as well as personal and professional growth for staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean G. Dicks
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Canberra Health Services, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | | | - Holly L. Northam
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Douglas P. Boer
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Frank M.P. van Haren
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Canberra Health Services, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- School of Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Dicks SG, Ranse K, Northam H, van Haren FMP, Boer DP. A novel approach to studying co-evolution of understanding and research: Family bereavement and the potential for organ donation as a case study. Health Psychol Open 2018; 5:2055102917753706. [PMID: 29399367 PMCID: PMC5788101 DOI: 10.1177/2055102917753706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel approach to data extraction and synthesis was used to explore the connections between research priorities, understanding and practice improvement associated with family bereavement in the context of the potential for organ donation. Conducting the review as a qualitative longitudinal study highlighted changes over time, and extraction of citation-related data facilitated an analysis of the interaction in this field. It was found that lack of 'communication' between researchers contributes to information being 'lost' and then later 'rediscovered'. It is recommended that researchers should plan early for dissemination and practice improvement to ensure that research contributes to change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Frank MP van Haren
- University of Canberra, Australia
- Australian National University, Australia
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