A Review of Computer Systems in Blood Banks and Discussion of the Applicability of Mathematical Decision Methods

Abstract

The fast progress of transfusion medicine is leading to higher requirements in blood donor and transfusion services which can only be met by EDP in the long run.This article gives an overview on the state of EDP system development in blood banks. The emphasis is on EDP systems in blood donor services. However, some transfusion medical EDP applications are also mentioned. The functional application areas of EDP are shown. The cost-benefit ratio of computer systems in this field is discussed and systems in operation or under development are compared in tabulated, form. Of particular interest in this comparison is the aspect of the applicability of mathematical decision methods for providing decision aids in blood banks by the computer.The cost-efficiency of systems providing improved medical services at the same time leads to the conclusion that a fast growth of EDP applications in blood donor and transfusion services can be expected.

Alternative Inventory and Distribution Policies for a Regional Blood Banking System

“…A reduction in outdating by only 6-7% would mean annual cost savings of almost 300,000 DM in the Berlin Blood Donor Service due to reduced blood purchases from external sources. Additional functions of the computer information system, such as a medical data base for donors and recipients, laboratory automation, administration, accoemting, or statistics [9], are suggesting the cost-effectiveness of such a system for a regional blood banl;:.…”

What Are the Costs and Values of Computers in Blood Services Now, and What Are They Likely to Be in 5 Years, in the Areas of Management Information and Decision Systems? Scientific Applications? Robotics?

“…There were, in addition, management problems associated with the systems; e.g., a prefer ence for the usual manual methods, lack of center personnel trained to maintain the computer systems, and concern as to how information created might be used, espe cially as measures of performance. Despite these problems, the enduring effect of the initiative was shown by a 1980 literature sur vey which found that of eight publications appearing between 1970-1979, concerning computer systems in American blood ser vices, five were from the centers involved in the initial NHLI study [7], Early History: 1964History: -1975 The application of computer technology to blood services in the United States began with the introduction of the Lockheed Blood Bank Control System in 1964 [2]. This was followed in 1968 by an initiative of the Na tional Blood Resource Program of the Na tional Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI) to develop prototypes of blood services man agement information systems [3], The Insti tute hoped computerization would help re solve the problems of an insufficient and unpredictable blood supply, an inadequate data base for tracking and planning, and a general system inefficiency associated with unacceptable levels of outdating.…”