ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Correct transfusion of blood product to the right patient requires multiple processes. Errors occurring in the pre-transfusion checking step can result in a serious incident. The role of patients in the safe blood transfusion practice has been investigated. METHODS: We have adopted patient involvement in bedside checking using patient's signature since 2010. We conducted a retrospective review of transfusion medical records during January 2013. The signatures of doctors, nurses, and patients were audited and the reasons for omitting patient's signature were examined. RESULTS: The practice of patient's signature was performed after the problems of procedures were improved. A total of 4697 blood products for 576 patients were issued. The first transfused products were 426 units of RBC (74.0%), 56 units of platelet (9.7%), and 34 units of fresh frozen plasma (5.9%). Completion of patient's signature was observed in 336 patients (63.5%). The reason for omitting patient's signature was operation (104, 18.1%), unclear consciousness or sedation (75, 13.0%), and neonate or infancy (7, 1.2%). CONCLUSION: Patient involvement in the pre-transfusion checking process by writing down the patient's own signature could be achievable. In case of no patient's signature as with an operation, sedation, and neonate or infancy, specific attention is required to ensure a safe transfusion practice.