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[Preparation of a manual for treatment of patients refusing blood transfusion]
Y Fujino1, K Yonemura, M Fujii
1Department of Anesthesiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192.
Insights
This manual outlines hospital policy for treating patients refusing blood transfusions, respecting adult decisions while prioritizing minors' well-being with necessary transfusions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Patient Autonomy
- Pediatric Care
Context:
- Managing patient refusal of blood transfusions presents ethical and legal challenges.
- Hospitals require clear protocols for handling complex medical decisions involving patient consent.
Purpose:
- To provide a clear, concise manual for medical staff on managing patients who refuse blood transfusions.
- To establish guidelines that differentiate treatment protocols for adult versus juvenile patients refusing transfusion.
Summary:
- The manual details respecting adult patients' documented refusal of blood transfusions, indemnifying the hospital.
- It mandates that for patients under 18, necessary blood transfusions will be administered, overriding refusal by the patient or parents.
- This approach aims for prompt, precise patient management and legal protection.
Impact:
- Facilitates consistent and legally sound management of blood transfusion refusal cases.
- Reduces litigation risk for medical institutions by providing a clear policy framework.
- Ensures adherence to ethical principles while prioritizing the best interests of minor patients.
Abstract:
We prepared a concise and simple manual for the treatment of a patient refusing blood transfusion. In this manual, we present the idea that our medical staff will respect the intention of adult patients but not the intention of juveniles below 18 years of age. If an unconscious adult patient is carrying a blood refusal card, we would regard the card as a document indemnifying the hospital from responsibility and we would treat the patient without blood transfusion. However, we would treat a juvenile patient below 18 years of age with blood transfusion if necessary, even if they and their parents refused blood transfusion. By following the manual, we can cope with the patient who refuses blood transfusion, promptly and precisely and we are rarely prosecuted by them. We respect the right of patients to make decisions regarding medical treatment and to resolve problems regarding medical expenses. We recommend that all medical institutions prepare a manual for the treatment of the patient refusing blood transfusion and officially announce the institution's policies on this matter.