2023 Volume 72 Issue 2 Pages 264-271
Issuing transfusion-related information cards to patients with clinically significant antibodies, which they should carry at all times, is useful for preventing delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions. The Transfusion Therapy Committee approved a proposal to have medical technologists (MTs) explain the introduced card as part of their task shift. The background, preparation, and results of the introduction of the card will be reported. Cards were issued through the transfusion system. Explanations are given in the examination room during outpatient visits. Patient guidance is indicated on the patient information sheet. Patients who underwent irregular antibody tests after the introduction of the system were included. From July 2020 to December 2021, explanations were given to 50 patients, explanations could not be given to 13 patients, and two patients were scheduled for explanations. No patient was presented with a card from another hospital during this period. The patients belonged to 10 different departments. Although there were no patients who presented cards from other hospitals, it is possible that the information was not communicated to the transfusion department because its staff did not recognize the cards. The target patients belonged to different departments, and it is considered that the explanation provided by MTs will appropriately convey the significance of the card and lead to its effective utilization. Explanation of the card is a task that can be performed under the current system, and from the perspective of task shifting, MTs should actively participate in this task.
