Management of transfusion related risks: is risk communication to non-experts at all possible?

Abstract

Blood transfusion medicine has to confront the challenge of ensuring maximal safety in spite of minimal but real risks, emerging risks, or potential risks, all of which must be prevented and avoided. Continuous searching for maximum safety of blood products should remain a constant goal for all professionals involved in blood transfusion medicine. Over the last decade, those involved have considered in depth the questions of risk assessment and then risk management, concentrating first and foremost on technical (biological) approaches, a little less on economy and least of all on the social aspects of risk. Transfusion therapy is probably safer than it has ever been. However, public perception and the increase in litigations may suggest the opposite. Transfusion professionals must re-inspire confidence in the field through the management of the perception of risk, real or otherwise. However, risk management requires instigation of changes both in terms of the organisations and professional behaviour. Changes can generate fear unless their advantages are immediately apparent. Thus, the acceptance of a proposed change can only be achieved when the issue and its risks are fully understood.