Module NHS-4201:
IABT
Independent Authorisation of Blood Component Transfusion 2025-26
NHS-4201
2025-26
School of Health Sciences
Module - Semester 1 & 2
40 credits
Module Organiser:
Sangeeta Chandrashekar
Overview
The module has been co-developed with the Welsh Blood Service, and in accordance with the All-Wales IABT Policy and the United Kingdom and Ireland Blood Transfusion Network's Framework on Clinical Decision-Making and Authorising Blood Component Transfusion.
The IABT role enables experienced Health Care Professionals (HCPs) to take on the responsibility for the clinical decision to authorise blood component transfusion for patients within a defined scope of clinical practice and competence.
The module is designed to ensure that you develop the required knowledge, skills, clinical decision-making abilities, and accountability to practice safely and effectively as an IABT practitioner.
You will undertake theoretical learning through distance learning, supported by Work-Based Learning (WBL) under the supervision of an experienced Clinical Mentor within your employing NHS organisation.
The module has been co-developed with the Welsh Blood Service, and in accordance with the All-Wales IABT Policy and the United Kingdom and Ireland Blood Transfusion Network's Framework on Clinical Decision-Making and Authorising Blood Component Transfusion.
The module content covers key areas including:
the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of blood components
anaemia, blood loss and haemostasis
clinical decision-making and risk management regarding transfusion needs and alternatives
legal, regulatory, and ethical frameworks underpinning safe practice
person-centred care, including effective consultation and consent processes
transfusion safety, including the recognition and management of adverse events
Assessment Strategy
A Grade Outstanding understanding of the theories and principles; excellent integration into practice. Outstanding breadth and depth of reading; arguments consistently supported by evidence. Innovative and outstanding critical analysis; excellent synthesis and evaluation. Outstanding reflection; clear and innovative application of evidence to improve practice and patient outcomes Excellent structure, very clear and appropriate focus; outstanding presentation. Outstanding referencing; no errors.
B Grade Very good understanding of the theories and principles; clear application to practice. Very good breadth and depth of reading; most arguments supported by evidence. Thorough and very good critical analysis; clear synthesis and evaluation Very good reflection; clear application of evidence to improve practice and patient outcomes. Very good structure, clear and appropriate focus; very good presentation with minor errors. Very good referencing; minor errors only.
C Grade (threshold) Satisfactory understanding of the theories and principles; basic application to practice. Adequate breadth and depth of reading; some arguments supported by evidence. Adequate critical analysis; some synthesis and evaluation. Adequate reflection; limited application of evidence to improve practice and patient outcomes. Satisfactory structure and focus; presentation acceptable with frequent errors. Adequate referencing; frequent errors.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply clinical knowledge; appropriate management of risk and an awareness of relevant regulatory requirements to ensure safe and effective decision-making in the independent authorisation of blood transfusion
- Critically evaluate how relevant ethical, legal, professional and clinical frameworks, policies and guidelines supports safe and effective practice.
- Critically reflect on and appraise your clinical decision-making in the independent authorisation of blood transfusion, considering accountability; your identified scope of practice; evidence-based practice and person-centred care.
- Employ effective consultation skills to inform diagnosis and justify your clinical decision on whether to safely and appropriately authorise blood transfusion, or not.
- Illustrate an adherence to local and national policies and guidelines when providing a written instruction to independently authorise blood transfusion.
Assessment method
Exam (Centrally Scheduled)
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Multiple choice examination. The pass mark is set at 75%.
Weighting
0%
Assessment method
Logbook Or Portfolio
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Portfolio including SWOT analysis, learning contract, clinical log, clinical competencies, observed clinical assessment, certificate of competence and tripartite sign-off.
Weighting
0%
Assessment method
Essay
Assessment type
Summative
Description
A critical reflective essay on person-centred, evidence-based, safe practice in the independent authorisation of blood component transfusion. The grade for the module will be determined by the grade awarded in the essay.
Weighting
100%