Transfusion based patient information-are we getting it right?

Introduction: The Blood Health Team (BHT) based at the Welsh Blood Service (WBS) provides transfusion paper based patient information leaflets to patients and health care professionals in Health Boards (HBs) across Wales. In 2018, a review of these resources found that they were not well utilised in clinical practice. Furthermore, research has shown that the value of relying solely on paper based information in assisting patients to make informed decisions regarding their care and treatment is questionable as evidence suggests that approximately 61% of adults do not have the necessary literacy skills to read and comprehend current text based health literature1. To further explore the effectiveness of these resources the BHT undertook a BEVAN exemplar project. Method: Two surveys were disseminated: 1. The first to patient and public engagement groups via engagements leads of the seven HBs and three NHS Trusts in Wales, to assess the readability and usefulness of the current leaflet for supporting patients through the decision of having a transfusion. 2. The second to clinical teams in Wales via medical schools to determine usage and accessibility of the leaflet in clinical practice. Results: The results of the project: • Establishment of a local patient/public participation group • Production of an Easy Read leaflet in collaboration with service users • Production of a QR code and associated info-pod, utilisation of which will allow access of information at 'point of delivery/need' • Links to developing audio versions of the PIL to further increase accessibility for the Welsh population Conclusion: The project fulfilled its aim of improving the design and delivery options for transfusion based health information and ensuring it becomes more accessible in clinical practice. This will enable a collaborative approach to individualised care planning and treatment options by ensuring shared decision making through encouraging dialogue between patient and clinician. An unexpected positive of this project was the demonstration of excellent collaborative working between different sectors during the COVID 19 pandemic. Future work includes a review of all transfusion related patient information produced by WBS and an ongoing collaborative approach to the future design and delivery of these resources.