The Family Interview in the Process of Donating Organs and Tissues for Transplantation: Perceptions of Potential Donors' Relatives

Abstract Background The family interview is a complex phase of the organ donation process because it involves aspects of the interviewer, the interviewee, the interview location, and ethical and legal issues. However, there are few publications on this phase of the donation process. This study aimed to reveal the meaning assigned to the interview phase, in the process of donating organs and tissues for transplantation, by the families of potential donors. Methods We performed a qualitative study of the phenomenologic aspect, within the modality “structure situated phenomena.” The study included the participation of 10 families. Results After analyzing the interviews, the meaning of the interview was unveiled by the family members. Conclusions The statements revealed that the family interview is considered to be an important step for warnings, clarifications, and encouraging families to think about the possibility of donating to save and/or improve the quality of life of people in need for a transplant, and that studies contribute to the technical and scientific qualification of the interviewer as well as stimulate discussion among health professionals to improve the interviewing process.