Brain death: assessment of knowledge among final-year medical students
Abstract
Brain death, characterized by the total and irreversible cessation of cerebral functions, still generates
doubts and discussions within the medical community. This descriptive study evaluated the knowledge
of medical students regarding the brain death protocol, based on Federal Council of Medicine Resolution
2,173/2017. Medical interns participated by answering a specific questionnaire. The majority recognized
the concept of brain death, but only 20.4% considered themselves capable of diagnosing it. Only 20.7%
correctly identified the prerequisites and initial steps of the protocol, and only 13.2% correctly identified
the required interval between the two clinical evaluations. The data reveal a significant gap in student
training regarding the criteria and procedures related to brain death. It is concluded that strengthening
education on this subject in medical schools is essential to contribute to greater diagnostic safety,
reduction of family suffering, and an increase in organ donation.
