Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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The term "brainstem death" is ambiguous; it can be used to refer either exclusively to loss of function of the brainstem or loss of function of the whole brain. We aimed to establish the term's intended meaning in national protocols for the determination of brain death/death by neurologic criteria (BD/DNC) from around the world. ⋯ There is international variability in the intended meaning of the terms "brainstem death" and "whole brain death" resulting in ambiguity and potentially inaccurate or inconsistent diagnosis. Regardless of the nomenclature, we advocate for national protocols to be clear regarding any requirement for ancillary testing in cases of primary infratentorial brain injury who may fulfill clinical criteria for BD/DNC.
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We aimed to describe the Canadian public's understanding and perception of how death is determined in Canada, their level of interest in learning about death and death determination, and their preferred strategies for informing the public. ⋯ Among the Canadian public, the understanding of neurologic and circulatory death determination is variable. More uncertainty exists with death determination by neurologic criteria than with circulatory criteria. Nevertheless, there is a high level of general interest in learning more about how death is determined in Canada. These findings provide important opportunities for further public engagement.