PRACTICAL ISSUES IN INFORMED CONSENT FOR TRANSFUSION

Because patients are knowledgeable and have concerns about the risks o f proposed therapies, including transfusion, and are interested in pos sible alternatives, they are becoming more involved in their own healt h care. Legal decisions support the patient's interest. Since 1996, th e Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has sp ecifically required that institutions document informed consent for tr ansfusion. These regulations emphasize the need to establish a practic al approach to achieving this process so that physicians and instituti ons appropriately inform patients and adequately document the patient' s choice.