Transfusion 2024: A 5-year plan for clinical and laboratory transfusion in England

The Transfusion 2024 plan outlines key priorities for clinical and laboratory transfusion practice for safe patient care across the NHS for the next 5 years. It is based on the outcomes of a multi-professional symposium held in March 2019, organised by the National Blood Transfusion Committee (NBTC) and NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), attended and supported by Professor Keith Willet and Dame Sue Hill on behalf of NHS England and Improvement. This best practice guidance contained within this publication will facilitate the necessary change in pathway design to meet the transfusion challenges and pressures for the restoration of a cohesive, and functional, healthcare system across the NHS following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coping with new treatments for cancer: a feasibility study of daily diary measures

This article describes a study of the feasibility and value of using daily diary measures to assess coping, adjustment and symptoms in patients participating in phase I clinical trials of new anticancer drugs. Ten patients (six women, four men) with advanced metastatic cancer were studied during a four-week phase I trial. Measures of psychological well-being, mental adjustment and symptoms were determined prior to treatment, and participants also completed daily ratings of psychological coping responses, mood and symptoms. Completion rates for diaries were high, and the amount of missing data averaged only 3.2% per patient. Overall, the most frequently endorsed coping responses were 'acceptance' and 'positive reinterpretation and growth'. There were systematic variations in coping by seeking social support across the trial, with more frequent use during phases of hospitalisation. Idiosyncratic fluctuations in patterns of coping were also observed. Positive daily mood was greater among patients who coped by ignoring their condition, and was also correlated with fighting spirit. Daily symptoms were inversely associated with positive mood and with fighting spirit. It is concluded that the daily diary approach is feasible, and may help to increase understanding of the experience of patients taking part in experimental anticancer drug trials.