A Survey on Physicians' Opinions about Informed Consent for Transfusion

Um, Tae Hyun

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The autonomy of patient is becoming more important in medical fields and in transfusion as well. In Korea, there is not yet any legal regulations or reports concerned with informed consent for transfusion.
METHODS
Questionnaires were e-mailed to 202 doctors. Among them, 105 doctors received the e-mail questionnaire and 43 (41%) replied.
RESULTS
Forty one respondents (95.3%) replied that informed consent for transfusion is necessary. Thirty nine (90.7%) replied that they explain something about transfusion to the patient. The given information during explanation are benefits, adverse reactions, and risks if transfusion not to be given, in decreasing order. Eighteen (42.0%) replied that consent is documented. The reasons for the difficulty in getting informed consent were replied to be unavailability of standardized consent forms, explanation materials, and lack of time.
CONCLUSION
Korean doctors seem to agree that informed consent is necessary for transfusion but have difficulties in obtaining. Standardized consent forms and explanation materials will be helpful for its wide implementation.