Risk management in transfusion after the HIV blood contamination crisis in France: the impact of the precautionary principle.

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  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: Grune And Stratton Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 8709027 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 0887-7963 (Print) Linking ISSN: 08877963 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Transfus Med Rev Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Publication: Orlando Fl : Grune And Stratton
      Original Publication: Orlando, FL : Grune & Stratton, c1987-
    • Subject Terms:
      Blood Component Transfusion*/methods ; Blood Component Transfusion*/standards ; Blood Transfusion* ; Drug Contamination*/prevention & control ; HIV* ; HIV Infections*/transmission ; Risk Management*/methods; France ; Humans ; Interviews as Topic/methods ; Risk Factors ; Virus Inactivation
    • Abstract:
      The importance of the precautionary principle in public health was highlighted in France after the HIV contamination of blood products used for transfusion. However, the definition of this principle, its objectives, the way in which it should be applied, and its consequences had not been considered previously. The question as to whether the application of the precautionary principle is appropriate remains unanswered. The aim of this study was to analyze the interpretations of the application of the precautionary principle to determine its consequences in terms of risk management and patient rights. This was accomplished by interviewing persons involved in transfusion medicine. We conducted 33 interviews and describe the issues enunciated for and against the application of the precautionary principle. The precautionary principle concept was confusing to the respondents. A major issue emerging from the interviews was that the precautionary principle was perceived more as a means of protecting the decision maker than as a means of protecting the patient. Taken to its extreme, the use of the precautionary principle could prejudice sound medical decision making. However, it was felt that it also can lead to the introduction of measures that update and gradually reduce risks associated with transfusion.
    • Number of References:
      21
    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 20051011 Date Completed: 20060110 Latest Revision: 20071115
    • Publication Date:
      20231215
    • Accession Number:
      10.1016/j.tmrv.2005.04.004
    • Accession Number:
      16214016