Talking Transfusion Podcast
Welcome to Talking Transfusion: The Transfusion Evidence Round-Up Podcast, a collaborative podcast brought to you by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) and the Systematic Review Initiative (SRI). Our mission is to provide ISBT members and the wider transfusion community with a selection of high-quality systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials on transfusion-related topics.
ISBT and SRI work together to curate insightful content that encompasses research from a variety of journals, including those specializing in areas outside of transfusion medicine. This ensures that our audience receives a comprehensive view of the latest evidence in the field.
The SRI hosts fully searchable libraries that are freely accessible to medical practitioners, policymakers, and researchers worldwide. These libraries serve as a comprehensive and up-to-date database of high-quality evidence in transfusion medicine, facilitating informed decision-making and practice improvements.
Each episode features discussions on the latest research findings, insights from our panel of experts, and reflections on how these studies impact daily practice. All references are drawn from the SRI Transfusion Evidence Library and, where relevant, the Stem Cell Evidence Library.
Join us as we explore the critical evidence that shapes transfusion practices and enhances patient care. Whether you’re a medical professional, researcher, or simply interested in the field, there’s something for everyone in Talking Transfusion.
Tune in now and be part of the conversation!
Talking Transfusion Bonus Episode for Sickle Cell Awareness Month: Episode 1
Talking Transfusion Bonus Episode for Sickle Cell Awareness Month.
Part one: What is an overview of systematic reviews?
In this episode, Lise Estcourt talks to Susan Brunskill about the process of conducting an overview of systematic reviews. They discuss why overviews are useful, what kinds of questions can be answered with an overview, how the work is done and when to update them.
Talking Transfusion Bonus Episode for Sickle Cell Awareness Month: Episode 2
Part two: red blood cell transfusion to treat or prevent complications in sickle cell disease: an overview of Cochrane reviews
In this episode, Lise Estcourt talks to Catherine Kimber about her recently updated overview of Cochrane systematic reviews, looking at red cell transfusion interventions in sickle cell disease. She talks about what the new overview tells us and highlights important evidence gaps that still exist in this area.
Episode 8: World Postpartum Haemorrhage Day
Postpartum haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death globally. This year’s theme for World Maternal Mental Health Day is “Translating evidence into action” — a theme that highlights the importance of turning research and recommendations into real-world practice.
In this episode, our reviewers explore selected publications from the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM). We look at the evidence on postpartum haemorrhage and, most importantly, discuss how we can translate that evidence into action to improve care and outcomes for women worldwide.
Episode 7: International Thalassaemia Day 2026
Episode 6: International Childhood Cancer Day
Episode 5: Best of TEL 2025
Episode 4: Blood Cancer Awareness Month
September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight one of the world’s most prevalent and serious cancers. In this episode of Talking Transfusion, hosts Allison Mo (hematologist from Melbourne, Australia) and Catherine Kimber (from the Systematic Review Initiative, UK), speak with reviewers from the September Transfusion Evidence Roundup. Together, they explore recent articles on transfusion in blood cancer care—covering the latest findings, clinical challenges, and the crucial role transfusion support plays for patients living with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and related conditions. This discussion brings evidence and awareness together, underscoring how research drives better outcomes for patients.
Milan Minutes with Amira Badawy
In this podcast episode, we talk with Amira Badawy about her experience as Harold Gunson fellowship recipient at the ISBT Milan congress and her research work.
Milan Minutes with Peter Ligthart
In this episode of the Milan Minutes, Peter discusses his experiences at the ISBT congress including his role as facilitator of the workshop “Tackling complex cases in the immunohematology reference laboratory”.
Milan Minutes with Molly Sherwood
Molly Sherwood is the Director of Research at the Allo Hope Foundation, a non-profit organisation which offers resources, educational materials and support for patients with haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) and alloimmunised women. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Sociology from Wake Forest University and spent nearly a decade in life sciences research consulting, specializing in epidemiology, regulatory affairs, and strategic publication. Molly has led large-scale research efforts, including clinical and consumer studies, collaborating with nonprofits, industry, NIH, and the FDA. Molly was diagnosed with maternal alloimmunization herself in 2018, and soon after transitioned into her role at the Allo Hope Foundation where she manages research in HDFN, patient and provider education, and grant writing. In this podcast episode, Molly discusses her experience at the ISBT Milan congress, where she presented on “Emergency resuscitation of females of childbearing potential and risk mitigation of HDFN” including the development of recent multi-disciplinary guidelines.
Milan Minutes with Niall O'Hagan
Niall O’Hagan is an early-careers behavioural scientist working at the University of Nottingham in the UK. He has been working with Professor Eamonn Ferguson on the NHS Blood & Transplant funded PROMPT project researching how people interpret and interact with the English blood screening tool. This project encompasses interviews with both donors and recipients, surveys, readability testing and experiments. Niall presented his work at the recent IBST congress in Milan and was awarded a Harold Gunson Fellowship.His background and research interests outside of blood is health psychology, specifically looking at drug misuse within gay male populations.In the podcast, Niall reflects on his first ISBT congress experience and discusses his project findings.
Episode 3: World Anaemia Day
Listen to our third episode where our experts join together to discuss the latest research findings, insights from our panel of experts, and reflections on how these studies impact daily practice. All references are drawn from the SRI Transfusion Evidence Library and, where relevant, the Stem Cell Evidence Library.
Episode 2: Best of TEL
Listen to our second episode where our experts join together to discuss the latest research findings, insights from our panel of experts, and reflections on how these studies impact daily practice. All references are drawn from the SRI Transfusion Evidence Library and, where relevant, the Stem Cell Evidence Library.
Episode 1: World Trauma Day
In this episode, we’re diving into several papers from October's Transfusion Evidence Round-Up, centered around the theme of World Trauma Day, celebrated on October 17th. This day aims to raise awareness about trauma care and prevention, highlighting critical insights and research that can improve outcomes for trauma patients.
