Recommendations for Transfusion Medicine
Choosing Wisely is a global initiative that seeks to encourage both doctors and patients to have a conversation about the value of treatments. The below recommendations for transfusion medicine are the result of a Choosing Wisely consultation involving the College.
Evidence/guidance
There is a lack of high-quality research in this field with largely observational data available. The evidence suggests that patients have a limited understanding of many aspects of transfusion, but that they do want to be part of an informed decision-making process. The evidence also indicates that patients are reassured by the provision of written information.
- NICE Guidance: Blood transfusion November 2015
- NICE Quality Standard: Blood Transfusion December 2016
Patient information\decision aids
A number of patient information materials are available through the NHSBT website
Evidence\guidance
- NICE Guidance: Blood transfusion November 2015
- Lidder PG, et al. Pre-operative oral iron supplementation reduces blood transfusion in colorectal surgery – a prospective, randomised, controlled trial. Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. 2007;89(4):418-421;
- Luporsi E, et al. Evaluation of cost savings with ferric carboxymaltose in anemia treatment through its impact on erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and blood transfusion: French healthcare payer perspective. Journal of Medical Economics. 2012;15(2):225-232.
- NICE Quality Standard: Blood Transfusion December 2016
Patient information\decision aids
- Leaflets are available through the NHSBT website
- Anaemia patient Information leaflet October 2016
- Iron in your diet
Evidence/guidance
- NICE Guidance: Blood transfusion
- Cochrane Review: Transfusion thresholds and other strategies for guiding allogeneic red blood cell transfusion