Priority 20 from the Blood Transfusion and Blood Donation PSP

UNCERTAINTY: Do patients and their relatives and/or carers receive enough information to help them understand about blood transfusion? (JLA PSP Priority 20)
Overall ranking 20
JLA question ID 0063/20
Explanatory note Not available for this PSP

Evidence

 1. NICE Guideline Recommendations:
Patient information
43. Provide verbal and written information to patients who may have or who have had a transfusion, and their family members or carers (as appropriate), explaining:
• the reason for the transfusion
• the risks and benefits
• the transfusion process
• any transfusion needs specific to them
• any alternatives that are available, and how they might reduce their need for a transfusion
• that they are no longer eligible to donate blood
• that they are encouraged to ask questions.
44. Document discussions in the patient's notes.
45. Provide the patient and their GP with copies of the discharge summary or other written communication that explains:
• the details of any transfusions they had
• the reasons for the transfusion
• any adverse events
• that they are no longer eligible to donate blood.
46. For guidance on communication and patient-centred care for adults, see the NICE guideline on patient experience in adult NHS services
Health Research Classification System category Generic Health Relevance
Extra information provided by this PSP
Original uncertainty examples Are patients given enough information about the potential side effects? ~ Are there any requirements or preparations I need to do before receiving a blood transfusion? ~ Did you understand the information provided to you before you were given a Blood Transfusion? ~ How can we reassure the public that the transfusion is virus free? ~ In non urgent transfusions is it possible to discuss with the recipient if requested the moral/ethical/religious implications of accepting someone else's blood into their body?
Submitted by 7 blood recipients ~ 8 relatives or carers of blood recipients ~ 17 blood donors ~ 17 health professionals
PSP information
PSP unique ID 0063
PSP name Blood Transfusion and Blood Donation
Total number of uncertainties identified by this PSP 51  (To see a full list of all uncertainties identified, please see the detailed spreadsheet held on the JLA website)
Date of priority setting workshop 28 February 2018