Patient Education
Informed Consent
In Manitoba, the infusion of blood, blood components or derivatives requires informed consent by the patient1. Informed Consent involves a discussion between an Authorized Designate2 and patient/resident/client or substitute decision maker (“the patient”) that includes the name of the procedure, treatments or investigation (“interventions”); the expected benefits; the material or significant risks; consequences of not having the interventions and an opportunity for the patient to ask and have their questions answered3. In Manitoba, the age of consent is a person who is 16 years of age or more who has the capacity to make health care decisions4. Once obtained, Consent is documented on the Consent form and the details of the discussion documented in the patient’s health record.5 Refusal of Blood or Blood Products is documented on the Refusal of Treatment form.6
Any person who has the capacity to make health care decisions may also make a health care directive.7 A Health Care Directive is advance planning that may indicate the type and degree of health care interventions that the patient would consent, refuse or withdraw treatment to. It may also name a person who has been delegated to make decisions.8 Manitoba law recognizes that mentally capable individuals have the right to consent or refuse to consent to medical treatment; and this right should also be respected after individuals are no longer able to participate in decisions respecting their medical treatment.9
Resources:
- Best Blood Manitoba – Blood Transfusions: What You Should Know
- Shared Health Informed Consent Policy (Intranet Access Required)
- Manitoba Health Care Directives Act
- Canadian Medical Protection Association – Consent: A guide for Canadian physicians
- Canadian Medical Association Journal – Guidelines for Red Blood Cell and Plasma Transfusion for Adults and Children
- Sample Consent Form (Intranet Access Required)
- Sample Refusal of Treatment Form (Intranet Access Required)
References:
- 1. Shared Health Policy 350.115.103: 2.4.2; CMAJ: Guidelines for Red Blood Cell and Plasma Transfusion for Adults and Children
- 2. Shared Health Policy 350.115.103: 2.1
- 3. Shared Health Policy 350.115.103: 2.4.1; 2.5
- 4. The Health Care Directives Act: 2; 4(2); Shared Health Policy 350.115.103: 2.2; 2.6
- 5. Shared Health Policy 350.115.103: 3.1.3; 3.1.4; 3.1.5; CMPA – Consent: A guide for Canadian physicians (cmpa-acpm.ca)
- 6. Shared Health Policy 350.115.103: 3.8, 3.9
- 7. The Health Care Directives Act: 4(1)
- 8. Shared Health Policy 350.115.103 Section 2.3; The Health Care Directives Act: 5
- 9. The Health Care Directives Act: paragraph 1
Compiled by Jamie-Lynn McMillan Nurse Coordinator Blood Management, Shared Health