Perceptions on consumer information in transfusion. A qualitative study of consumers and prescribers

Abstract

Background and objectives Fresh blood product transfusion requires patient education for fully informed consent, and written consumer information is frequently used. Few studies have examined consumer preferences regarding written and verbal transfusion information provided. As a qualitative study, this research was designed to explore participant understanding and by analysing and integrating themes, generate a model to understand how transfusion information should be developed and used in practice. Materials and methods Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with healthcare consumers of transfusion information from various hospital clinical departments. Transcripts were coded to qualitatively compare nature/extent of content and opinions regarding transfusion information through thematic analysis. Results Analysis identified themes relating to healthcare engagement, purpose of information, mode of delivery and content delivered. Differences were identified between perceived purpose of information provided to consumers between 13 transfusion prescribers and consumers. Prescribers viewed information as a tool for obtaining informed consent, whereas consumers desired reassurance and knowledge. Consumers described both the specialized nature and volume of information as limiting their ability to question professionals on whom they were dependent. Information provided should be tailored to consumers and utilize simple, succinct explanations. Conclusion Both groups were satisfied with written information adjunctive to verbal information. These findings will be used to redesign transfusion information and may be employed at the bedside when discussing transfusion. They may have implications for consumer information in other settings.

Preoperative anaemia screening and treatment: Barrier identification and implementation strategy mapping

“…Liao et al shared this sentiment and undertook a qualitative study of health professionals and patients perceptions of informed consent [25]. They sought to understand how patients perceive the current resources available to them that aid in giving information on risks and how they would prefer to receive that information [25]. Interestingly, they found a similar trend to our study where patients tended to rely upon, and trust, doctors recommendations, as they feel too overwhelmed to make informed decisions [25].…”

“…In the context of PBM literature, the inclusion of patients in intervention development has tended to be tokenistic, with consumer consultation and feedback usually only sought after the development of an intervention (e.g. patient information or policy) [24,25]. Liao et al shared this sentiment and undertook a qualitative study of health professionals and patients perceptions of informed consent [25].…”

“…patient information or policy) [24,25]. Liao et al shared this sentiment and undertook a qualitative study of health professionals and patients perceptions of informed consent [25]. They sought to understand how patients perceive the current resources available to them that aid in giving information on risks and how they would prefer to receive that information [25].…”

“…They sought to understand how patients perceive the current resources available to them that aid in giving information on risks and how they would prefer to receive that information [25]. Interestingly, they found a similar trend to our study where patients tended to rely upon, and trust, doctors recommendations, as they feel too overwhelmed to make informed decisions [25]. The study also found that patients felt a verbal and individualised conversation between the prescribing clinician and the patient is more valuable than written materials, which they would prefer to have as a source of reference, to read in their own time [25].…”

<p>Preoperative Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening, Evaluation and Management: Barrier Identification and Implementation Strategy Mapping</p>

“…It was found that neither prescribers 22 In the context of PBM literature, the inclusion of patients in intervention development has tended to be tokenistic, with consumer consultation and feedback usually only sought after the development of an intervention (for example, patient information or policy). 23,24 Liao et al shared this sentiment and undertook a qualitative study of health professionals and patients perceptions of informed consent, 24 seeking to understand how patients perceive current resources available to them that provide information on risks, and how they would prefer to receive that information. 24 Interestingly, they found a similar trend to our study where patients tended to rely upon, and trust, doctors recommendations, as they feel too overwhelmed to make informed decisions.…”