The use of the Continuous AutoTransfusion System (C.A.T.S; Fresenius Hemotechnology, Bad Homburg v.d.H., Germany), which conserves allogenic blood, is reported in 187 patients having abdominal aortic aneurysm repair during a 9-year period. Patients were allocated to C.A.T.S if a Haemovigilance technician was available. A mean of 685 mL of retrieved blood was reinfused in 101 patients receiving C.A.T.S; 61% required 2 U or less. All control patients required 3 U or more of allogenic blood. Allogenic transfusion in C.A.T.S patients decreased significantly (P < .0001). Mean intensive care unit stay was significantly reduced in C.A.T.S patients (P = .042). Mean postoperative hospital stay was 18 days for C.A.T.S group and 25 days in control patients (P = .014). The respective 30-day mortality was 12% versus 19% (P = .199). The C.A.T.S markedly reduced the amount of blood transfused, was associated with reduced intensive care unit and postoperative hospital stay, and was cost-effective.

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Background As illustrated in a cross-sectional study at a Galway hospital, delirium is common with a 29% incidence in hospitalised older adults. This is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Guidelines support specialised environments in the management of delirium to reduce morbidity and mortality. A delirium bay is a specialised unit with a standardised approach to comprehensive geriatric assessment for older adults with delirium. Methods We aimed to improve the care of the delirious older adult within our existing framework by creating a ‘Delirium Bay’ utilising the principles of quality improvement. An interdisciplinary team completed ‘Quality Improvement in Action’ training run by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland from October 2018-March 2019. This involved defining our problem statement and ‘SMART’ aim (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely). Measures for improvement included the rate of adverse events, the duration of episodes, patient/family satisfaction, and the use of one-to-one supervision of patients. Results Stakeholder analysis included nursing, catering, multidisciplinary and healthcare assistance staff. We liaised with hospital management regarding restructuring staffing and maintenance regarding environmental changes. An educational programme on delirium was delivered.. We collected baseline data utilising the ‘Plan, Do, Study, Act’ Model and utilised this to guide our changes. A Standard Operating Procedures document was drafted. We opened our four-bedded delirium bay on 11th March 2019. Preliminary data indicates improved management of delirium with preserved continence, reduced risk of falls and high patient and family satisfaction levels. Interventions have been implemented with minimal funding and infrastructural changes. Staffing reconfiguration involved standardised planning replacing a pre-existing ad-hoc system. Conclusion Delirium in hospitalised older adults is common and associated with increased morbidity and mortality, yet amenable to interventions. We demonstrate that a delirium bay can be set up with a quality improvement approach. Pilot data suggests improved management of these patients within the framework of existing resources. Further collection of data on clinical outcomes is ongoing.