Modification of fresh‐frozen plasma transfusion practices through educational intervention

Abstract

The effect of an educational program designed to address misconceptions about the perioperative transfusion of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) was examined. Results of a baseline audit of FFP use were compared to those of a study subsequent to the educational process. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that the decrease in the number of patients transfused with FFP, from 32 of 2077 operative cases in Group A (baseline) to 18 of 2540 operative cases in Group B (after education), was significant (p less than 0.01). Analysis of the justifications given for transfusion of FFP revealed that the increase in acceptable indications from 47 percent in Group A to 78 percent in Group B was also significant (p less than 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in units of FFP transfused per patient (Group A, 3.66 +/- 3.2, vs. Group B, 2.47 +/- 1.7) or red cells (Group A, 2.84 +/- 5.2, vs. Group B, 5.22 +/- 4.4), and the patterns of platelet transfusion were similar in the two groups. There was a significant difference in the postoperative partial thromboplastin time (Group A, 38.2 +/- 8.7 vs. Group B, 56.3 +/- 24 seconds, p less than 0.01) but no significant difference in postoperative prothrombin time (Group A, 14.1 +/- 2.6 vs. Group B, 15.4 +/- 3.3 seconds). It can be concluded that an educational program designed to address misconceptions in transfusion practice can alter physician performance and thereby reduce the inappropriate use of FFP.

A retrospective clinical audit of blood transfusion requests in tertiary care hospital

“…1 The blood component implies separation of whole blood into various potential components like packed red cells, Platelet rich plasma, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate and leucocytes. 2,3,4,5 To maximize the effectiveness, safety and utility clinicians and intravenous therapists should be knowledgeable about the potential risk of blood component therapy. 6 We should keep in mind the appropriate indication for ordering blood components there by Avoid misuse and unnecessary exposure of the recipient to various infectious and non infectious complications.…”

“…These include guidelines and consensus conferences as well as monitoring of transfusion practice, education, and self-audit by clinicians. 5,7,8 …”

Practices for rational use of blood components in a universitary hospital

“…[16][17][18][19] With the increase of complexity of therapy related to blood components, there is a need to reduce inadequate transfusion, through reliable educational programs. [20][21][22][23] These programs are based on multiple strategies, such as teaching, development of protocols, creation of new transfusion requests, among others. 21,23 Currently, a meta-analysis revealed that there is an increase in relative risk of inappropriate transfusions in the absence of an organizational intervention program.…”

A Prospective Study of Blood Usage Pattern and Demand Supply Assessment in a Tertiary Care Hospital in India

“…The blood component implies separation of whole blood into various potential components like packed red cells, Platelet rich plasma, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate and leucocytes [2][3][4][5] To maximize the effectiveness, safety and utility, clinicians and intravenous therapists should be erudite about the potential threat of blood component therapy. We should keep in mind that there should be an apt indication for ordering blood components as there is unnecessary exposure of the recipient to various infectious and noninfectious complications and avoid misuse.…”

“…Various strategies have been developed to reduce the inappropriate use of blood components. These include guidelines and consensus conferences as well as monitoring of transfusion practice, education, and self-audit by clinicians [5][6][7][8]. One being the assessment of the usage of blood and its appropriateness.…”