Abstract:
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Jehovah’s Witnesses have religious beliefs that preclude transfusion of blood products and certain medical interventions. This presents a unique dilemma and ethical challenge to healthcare providers, especially in a surgical setting.
RECENT FINDINGS: The growing number of followers of this faith warrants a deeper look at the ethical, legal, and clinical implications of their beliefs. Advances in patient blood management now allow timely optimization before surgery.
SUMMARY: Anticipating the challenges associated with managing and optimizing patients who refuse blood products allows for more favorable outcomes in the preoperative period.
Reference:
Chae, C., Okocha, O. and Sweitzer, B. (2020) Preoperative considerations for Jehovah’s Witness patients: a clinical guide. Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology. May 4th. doi: 10.1097/ACO.0000000000000871. (Epub ahead of print).