BARRIERS AND TRAINING NEEDS OF NURSES IN DEALING PATIENTS WITH BRAIN DEATH ADMITTED AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS, PESHAWAR

Abstract

Background

Brain death (BD) is defined as the irreversible loss of brain function, awareness, and brainstem reflexes and is accompanied by the inability to breathe spontaneously making patients dependent on life support in intensive care unit. Study shows that approximately 10% of deaths in intensive care units (ICU) are attributed to brain death. Nurses play an important role in managing Patients in ICU. Nursing care is not limited to provide physical care to BD patients but their responsibilities extend beyond clinical duties to incorporate the management of families’ emotional and psychological needs. However, despite their integral role, the unique difficulties nurses face in caring for BD patient has not been fully explored. Understanding these challenges in depth is essential for enhancing nurses’ proficiency as well as improving care for both patients and their families.

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore the barriers and training needs of ICU nurses dealing with BD patients at tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar.

Methodology

A phenomenological research design was used to conduct this study. Approval was obtained from the Ethical Review Board (ERB) of Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar. Ten individuals, including both male and female, were interviewed face to face following the purposive sampling technique. Data were recorded, transcribed in the form of verbatim and translated into English language. It was further analyzed, codified and categorized. Finally different themes were extracted through thematic analysis.

Result

Five different themes were emerged such as workplace and systemic challenges which include resource limitations and staffing shortage. Nurses’ emotional and psychological responses, nurses emotionally drained ethical obligation and family expectations. Palliative care is a framework to ensure comfort measures and dignified care and the perceived importance of training in specific nursing care as well as in soft skills like communication and counseling.

Conclusion

 The findings of this research provide valuable insights into the barriers and training needs of   nurses who are involved in caring for BD patients often. To overcome these barriers and empower nurses both in theory and practical work specific skills need to be taught in the nursing curriculum as well as in in-service training sessions. Policymakers should develop policies based on these findings to ensure that patients receive optimal care.