Nurses’ Knowledge about the Brain Death Criteria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Knowledge of brain death criteria is essential for intensive care unit nurses to ensure competent patient care, support for families, and efficient resource management. This study aimed to assess nurses’ knowledge regarding the brain death criteria to determine the relationship between nurses’ knowledge and their sociodemographic data.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess nurses' knowledge regarding the brain death criteria at Al-Sadr Medical City in Al-Najaf City, utilizing a purposive sample of 43 nurses from specific hospital units. Data were collected between March 20th, 2024, and April 28, 2024, using a questionnaire designed around guidelines from prominent publications and experts who confirmed the validity of the questionnaire.

Results: The sample comprised predominantly males (58.14%) aged between 26 and 30 (51.16%). Most had a bachelor of science in Nursing (62.79%) and less than or equal to 5 years of nursing experience (67.44%). The majority worked in a Coronary unit (37.21%). Training on brain death was received by 27.91% of nurses. The knowledge assessment revealed that nurses demonstrated “good” knowledge in a few specific areas but overall had a “fair” level of knowledge about brain death and no significant differences between sociodemographic characteristics and the level of knowledge, as indicated by a p-value greater than 0.05.

Conclusion: This study revealed a concerning lack of understanding among nurses regarding the criteria for brain death, particularly legal and practical aspects. By implementing these recommendations, healthcare institutions can ensure that nurses possess the necessary knowledge to effectively participate in brain death determination and support patients’ families during this sensitive time.