First Implementation of Transfusion Consent Policy in Oman: Audit of compliance from a tertiary care university hospital.
OBJECTIVE
Transfusions are a common medical intervention. Discussion of the benefits, risks and alternatives with the patient is mandated by many legislations prior to planned transfusions. At the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman, a written transfusion consent policy was introduced in March 2014. This was the first time such a policy was implemented in Oman. This study therefore aimed to assess adherence to this policy among different specialties within SQUH.


METHODS
The medical records of patients who underwent elective transfusions between June and August 2014 were reviewed to assess the presence of transfusion consent forms. If present, the consent forms were examined for completeness of patient, physician and witness information.


RESULTS
In total, the records of 446 transfused patients (299 adult and 147 paediatric patients) were assessed. Haematology patients accounted for 50% of adult patients and 71% of paediatric patients. Consent was obtained for 75% of adult and 91% of paediatric patients. The highest adherence rate was observed among adult and paediatric haematology specialists (95% and 97%, respectively). Consent forms were correctly filled out with all details provided for 51% and 52% of adult and paediatric patients, respectively. Among inadequately completed forms, the most common error was a lack of witness details (20-25%).


CONCLUSIONS
In most cases, the pre-transfusion consent policy was successfully adhered to at SQUH. However, further work is required to ensure full compliance with the consent procedure within different specialties. Implementation of transfusion consent in other hospitals in the country is recommended.
Department of Haematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman;
Arwa Z
AZ
Al-Riyami
College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman;
Naif
N
Al-Ghafri
Department of Haematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman;
Fehmida
F
Zia
Department of Haematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman;
Mohammed
M
Al-Huneini
Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman;
Abdul-Hakeem
AH
Al-Rawas
Department of Haematology, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman;
Salam
S
Al-Kindi
Department of Planning & Studies, Oman Medical Specialty Board, Muscat, Oman.
Sachin
S
Jose
Department of Haematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman;
Murtadha
M
Al-Khabori
Department of Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman;
Hilal
H
Al-Sabti
Department of Haematology, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman;
Shahina
S
Daar
Blood Transfusion; Clinical Audit; Informed Consent; Oman; Policy Compliance