Informed Consent
Blood product transfusions form a life-saving part of modern medicine, but they are not without risk. It is the responsibility of the clinician to prescribe these products appropriately and to communicate the risks, benefits and alternatives of transfusions to their patients, as stipulated in the South African National Health Act (2003). Documented informed consent is required when blood products are prescribed, and clinicians should respect the decision of patients to refuse blood product transfusions. Common reasons for refusal include religious beliefs, previous adverse reactions to a transfusion, or concern regarding the risk of transfusion-transmitted disease via blood products.
- Indications for the transfusion
- Specific products to be transfused and the expected number of transfusion episodes
- Benefits and risks of a blood transfusion
- Available alternatives to an allogeneic blood transfusion, for example, designated donation or acute normovolaemic haemodilution
- Risks and benefits of not receiving a recommended therapy
- Available alternatives to transfusion and their benefits and risks
- Costs involved, if relevant
- Emergency situations (e.g. when the patient cannot consent due to a decreased level of consciousness and blood products are urgently required)
- Minors, where a parent or legal guardian can give informed consent for their transfusion
- Mental illness, where a legal guardian can give consent if the patient is unable to do so at the time
- Where a court order is obtained to permit intervention for the treatment of a patient
The following downloadable patient information leaflet is intended to serve as an adjunct to assist clinicians in obtaining informed consent: