For those hospitals that have two classifications of patients in their Transfusion Free programs - (those who absolutely refuse blood and those who would accept it only as a life-sustaining measure) I would like to know how the question relating to the patient's view on blood transfusion is being addressed on the nursing history obtained on admission. Also how are other hospitals successfully educating their patients on alternatives to blood transfusion - is this mainly through the Program Manager or has anyone come up with some printed materials?

Julie Cade RN
St Agnes Medical Center, Fresno CA