The aim of this Australian study was to explore to what extent organ and tissue donation (OTD) is discussed as part of end of life care, and the experiences of parents and healthcare staff. Participants were recruited from a number of intensive care units and a children's hospice. The findings showed that of 21 parents, only 7 parents were asked about donation, four agreed and two donated. 41 healthcare staff were interviewed. The study found a number of themes including the complexity of the donation process, the importance of asking, the difficulty of raising the topic, and parents assumptions when not asked. A number of recommendations are made.
Darlington, A. 2019. Parents' experiences of requests for organ and tissue donation: the value of asking. Archives of Diseases in Childhood, epub.
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