O PAPEL DO ENFERMEIRO INTENSIVISTA NO PROCESSO DE DOAÇÃO DE CÓRNEAS: CONHECIMENTO E CUIDADOS DE ENFERMAGEM.

Abstract

Introduction: Cornea donation in Brazil faces a growing demand due to the extensive transplant waiting list, particularly in the state of Goiás. Although cornea donation can restore vision to patients, the shortage of donors and the lack of knowledge among nurses working in Intensive Care Units compromise the effectiveness of this process. Nurses play a central role in identifying potential donors and in providing care to prevent corneal injuries, which can render the transplant unviable. Objective: To assess the knowledge of nurses working in Intensive Care Units regarding the cornea donation process and to investigate the nursing care applied to maintain the viability of corneas for donation. Materials and Methods: A quantitative and descriptive study conducted at a reference hospital for emergency and trauma in the city of Goiânia, Goiás, with 33 participating nurses. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Most professionals had recently graduated, did not include eye care in their nursing prescriptions, and showed gaps in technical and scientific knowledge about eligibility criteria for potential donors, institutional protocols, and preventive care for cornea preservation. The study also highlighted the low participation in training programs focused on cornea donation, which compromises the effectiveness of the identification and maintenance process of potential donors. Conclusion: It is necessary to implement systematic eye care in nursing prescriptions and offer training programs to improve nurses’ performance, contributing to an increase in donations and the improvement of patients’ quality of life.