In the proposed project, what makes a ‘quality’ cord blood unit for those working in transplant centres will be explored and what factors influence their perceptions.

In particular, do those working in transplant centres deem the collection and banking processes as influencing the ‘quality’ of cord blood units? What policies and practices are considered by those working in transplant centres as facilitating a ‘quality’ cord blood collection? How do those in transplant centres decide which banks to import a cord blood unit from?

Finally, do the notions of ‘quality’ in cord blood collection, banking and transplant differ across countries like Japan and the UK?


Methodology
Qualitative, semi-structured interviews will be conducted face-to-face with those working in transplant centres in the UK and Japan.

Survey data will also be collected from those involved in cord blood treatments in the UK and Japan.