The experiences of patients undergoing blood transfusion in a day hospice

Aim To explore patients' views on living with anaemia and undergoing blood transfusions in a day hospice. Methods This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Ten patients who between them had received 90 transfusions were purposively sampled from the hospice day unit. The interviews were digitially recorded, transcribed anonymously, and the transcripts analysed using a phenomenological analysis framework. Findings Tiredness was the most common symptom of anaemia. Participants liked attending the day hospice instead of hospital for their transfusions owing to differences in transport, parking, waiting time, and space to ask questions. The majority had no concerns about hospice transfusion and would be happy to return for further treatment. Conclusions Haematologypatients can have a good experience when undergoing blood transfusion at a day hospice. Hospices should perhaps offer this procedure more widely.