Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41230715›Full record

ArticleJournal of advanced nursing2026

Challenges and Support Strategies for Intensive Care Unit Nurses in the Organ Donation Process: A Scoping Review.

Nelson Selvaraj, Jessica Baillie, Jonathan Jones, Deborah Edwards

Abstract readScoping Review
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of advanced nursing, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Nelson SelvarajSchool of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6104-2845
Jessica BaillieCwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Llantrisant, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4592-7286
Jonathan JonesUniversity Library Service, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
Deborah EdwardsWales Centre for Evidence-Based Care, School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1885-9297

Funding

Research Capacity Building Collaboration (RCBC) Wales, UK 525051
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

aimsTo provide an overview of the challenges that Intensive Care Unit nurses experience during the organ donation process and identify recommended support models or strategies that may assist them when caring for potential organ donors and their families during the organ donation process.

designA scoping review was conducted in accordance with JBI methods. DATA SOURCES: Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (via Ovid), Embase (via OVID), APA PsycINFO (via OVID), Scopus, OVID Emcare, Web of Science and CINAHL (via EBSCO) were searched from the first available start date of the individual database to December 2023. REVIEW

methodsEligible studies included peer-reviewed empirical quantitative, qualitative and mixed method studies exploring the challenges experienced by Intensive Care Unit nurses during the organ donation process in adult intensive or critical care settings. Reviewers used Rayyan systematic review software to screen titles, abstracts and full-text articles. Data were gathered using an adapted JBI data extraction tool for scoping reviews.

resultsTwenty-eight papers were included that were published between 1983 and 2023. Most studies (71.4%) used a qualitative approach. Seven key challenges were identified: direct patient care, care for the next of kin, concept of brainstem death, ethical challenges, emotional challenges, challenges around communication and organisational challenges. Several support models were identified including debriefing, training and education, and availability of local or national protocols and guidelines for organ donation.

conclusionThis scoping review provides an increased understanding of the challenges that Intensive Care Unit nurses experience during the organ donation process. Appropriate support models or strategies may potentially improve nurses' care experience during the organ donation process. IMPACT: Improved understanding of the nature of challenges during the organ donation process can facilitate the implementation of supportive strategies that may ultimately improve quality of care, consent rates and nurses' and donors' family experiences. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: A public representative with family experience of organ donation was involved in developing the protocol and search strategy.

Indexed as

Critical Care NursingNursing Staff, HospitalTissue and Organ ProcurementAdultHumansIntensive Care UnitsbarrierschallengesICU nurseintensive care unitorgan donation

Identifiers

PMID41230715
PMCPMC13356446

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.