Practical issues in informed consent for transfusion.

Because patients are knowledgeable and have concerns about the risks of proposed therapies, including transfusion, and are interested in possible alternatives, they are becoming more involved in their own health care. Legal decisions support the patient's interest. Since 1996, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has specifically required that institutions document informed consent for transfusion. These regulations emphasize the need to establish a practical approach to achieving this process so that physicians and institutions appropriately inform patients and adequately document the patient's choice.