Navigating ethical challenges in donation after circulatory death: Nurses’ perspectives

Emilie Gripewall, Janet Mattsson, Lisbeth Fagerström, Gunilla Björling, Linda Estman, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Natural and Health Sciences, Åbo Akademi University, National Donation Center, National Board of Health and Welfare, Department of Health Science, Linneus University, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Department of Nursing, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, School of Nursing, KCMC University, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Södertälje Hospital, Department of Caring and Ethics, University of Stavanger

Nursing Ethics: An International Journal for Health Care Professionals

Published online on March 10, 2026

Abstract

Nursing Ethics, Volume 33, Issue 5, Page 1384-1396, August 2026.
BackgroundControlled Donation after Circulatory Death (cDCD) offers new opportunities but also new, demanding ethical challenges in the field of organ donation. The process requires navigating boundaries due to the transition from intensive care and life-...