The skill set of the transfusion practitioner predominantly focuses on staff and patient education, adverse events, transfusion governance and monitoring of transfusion practices within organizations, to ensure current clinical practices align with state, national, and international guidelines and standards (Transfus Med Rev, 2015, 29, 138–44). The transfusion practitioner (TP) working in a multidisciplinary setting has a unique position, mostly within the health service setting, to play an important role in integrating transfusion planning during the developing and implementing of local, regional and national disaster plans. This review article reflects the role of the TP in recent and potential role they could play in planning for possible future major events.
Results/discussion Five hundred and eighty-two responses received from 84 different countries. The TP role exists in 67 countries, 10 countries do not have the TP role, one was unaware of the role, and respondents from six other countries did not answer this question. The most prevalent TP activities reported were policy and procedure development, education, participation in Transfusion Committees and audit activities. Eighty-eight respondents indicated they did not have a TP role, with the main barrier being financial, followed by lack of support for the role. Eight respondents indicated they previously had a TP, and this role was no longer in place due to lack of support for the role, cutbacks and other priorities.Conclusion This survey provides insights as to where and how the TP functions and provides the TPFSC with valuable information to develop tools to support further development of the role.
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