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Autologous versus allogeneic transfusion: patients' perceptions and experiences.
I D Graham1, D Fergusson, H Dokainish
1Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Loeb Health Research Institute, Ottawa Hospital, Ont. igraham@lri.ca
Summary
Patients undergoing preoperative autologous blood donation reported positive experiences and were less likely to receive allogeneic transfusions. Most would donate again, finding the process beneficial for reducing transfusion risks.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Patient Safety
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Preoperative autologous blood donation (PAD) aims to minimize allogeneic blood exposure.
- Patient perceptions and experiences with PAD require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate patient perceptions of the autologous blood donation process.
- To assess patient experiences with transfusion in the context of PAD.
- To compare transfusion practices between autologous donors and nondonors.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire assessed patient perceptions of PAD.
- Elective cardiac and orthopedic surgery patients in a Canadian teaching hospital participated.
- Patient charts were reviewed to determine actual transfusion rates.
Main Results:
- 96% of autologous donors attended all appointments; 93% would donate again.
- Autologous donors were less likely to receive allogeneic transfusions (8-15%) compared to nondonors (35-46%).
- Autologous donors were more likely to receive any transfusion (63-81%) than nondonors (35-46%).
Conclusions:
- Patients generally have positive experiences with preoperative autologous blood donation.
- Autologous donors perceived a greater reduction in allogeneic transfusion risk than statistically observed.
- PAD reduces allogeneic transfusion rates but may increase overall transfusion likelihood.