Consent for transfusion: global practices, documentation and patient understanding - a scoping review protocol

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Policy and Practice
• Patient Safety and Quality Improvement
• Transfusion Medicine

Background:

• Patient involvement and autonomy are crucial in modern healthcare.
• Informed consent is a cornerstone of shared decision-making in blood transfusion.
• Understanding current transfusion consent processes is vital for patient empowerment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review mapping global transfusion consent processes and forms.
• To characterize key features, technologies, and compliance with international recommendations.
• To examine practices in special populations and assess patient/family understanding.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of major databases (PubMed, Embase, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus) and grey literature.
• Adherence to Joanna Briggs Institute methodology with independent review and third-party resolution.
• Data synthesis via diagrammatic/tabular methods with structured narrative, following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Main Results:

• Mapping of global transfusion consent processes and forms.
• Characterization of technologies used in obtaining consent.
• Evaluation of compliance with international standards and practices in special populations.

Conclusions:

• Findings will inform best practices for transfusion consent globally.
• The review will highlight areas for improvement in patient understanding and shared decision-making.
• Results will contribute to enhancing patient safety and autonomy in transfusion medicine.