A survey of transfusion practitioners in international society of blood transfusion member countries

Background Transfusion Practitioner (TP) is a term that describes activities undertaken by a variety of healthcare professionals who play a key role in supporting safe and appropriate blood management/transfusion care for patients. There is significant variation in staff specialty filling the role. To understand which countries have the TP role, and the variations that exist, an international survey was undertaken in 2017. Methods A survey was developed by the TP Forum Steering Committee (TPFSC) with input from the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) Clinical Transfusion Working Party. The survey was distributed by the ISBT Office to all ISBT members and promoted via newsletters and social media. Results/discussion Five hundred and eighty-two responses received from 84 different countries. The TP role exists in 67 countries, 10 countries do not have the TP role, one was unaware of the role, and respondents from six other countries did not answer this question. The most prevalent TP activities reported were policy and procedure development, education, participation in Transfusion Committees and audit activities. Eighty-eight respondents indicated they did not have a TP role, with the main barrier being financial, followed by lack of support for the role. Eight respondents indicated they previously had a TP, and this role was no longer in place due to lack of support for the role, cutbacks and other priorities. Conclusion This survey provides insights as to where and how the TP functions and provides the TPFSC with valuable information to develop tools to support further development of the role.