Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) Annual Report 2005

Abstract

Recommendations for future developments 1 Blood transfusion outside the hospital setting: Against the background of a trend towards provision of care closer to the patient, there is a need for a standard of practice to be developed for transfusion in the community setting, including provision for appropriate management and reporting of adverse events 2 Need for clinical studies: There is a paucity of good quality randomised studies from which to develop evidence-based transfusion practice. Well designed clinical studies should be undertaken to answer some of the questions that arise in clinical practice, including the optimal methods of patient identification, systems organisation and appropriate blood product support in different clinical settings. This will require action from clinical researchers, statistical & analytical support and assistance from funding bodies. 3 Future development of haemovigilance: The implementation of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations provides a unique opportunity to develop and re-enforce haemovigilance in the UK. It is essential that a structure is established that enables UK haemovigilance to flourish and to maintain its international recognition.