Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT)

SHOT is the UK’s independent, professionally-led haemovigilance scheme. Since 1996, SHOT has been collecting and analysing anonymised information on adverse events and reactions in blood transfusion from all healthcare organisations that are involved in the transfusion of blood and blood components in the United Kingdom. Where risks and problems are identified, SHOT produces recommendations and standards to improve patient safety. The data is reflected in SHOT's annual report, which is then circulated to reporters and relevant professional bodies. As haemovigilance is an ongoing exercise, SHOT can also monitor the effect of the implementation of its recommendations.

A key recommendation in the 2021 Annual SHOT report advocated for 'partnering with patients' with a focus on working closely with patients and their families, to ensure a safer healthcare system, better experiences for patients and improved health outcomes. SHOT has used data and feedback to create the UK's first patient facing transfusion information app 'MyTransfusion'. This app has been created with input from patient representatives and transfusion experts.  MyTransfusion is a free to access source of reliable information about the transfusion journey. It supports health care professionals and patients in their discussions about blood transfusion, and facilitates shared decision making and informed consent.