When is it appropriate to present donation options to the family during the DCD referral process?

In the context of the Donation after Cardiovascular Death (DCD) referral process, it is appropriate to present donation options to the family after the decision to withdraw support has been made. This is a critical moment because it allows the family to understand the situation fully and consider the implications of potential organ donation. Presenting donation options at this point ensures that the family is in a position to make an informed decision about donation, considering their loved one’s wishes and the grieving process they are experiencing.

At this stage, the medical team has already discussed and agreed that support will be withdrawn, and the family may be more receptive to conversations about donation, as they are aware of the impending death. Engaging the family at this juncture respects both the emotional state of the family and the ethical considerations surrounding organ donation, allowing them to enhance the legacy of their loved one through the gift of organ donation.