Quality improvement interventions for Bedside Transfusion safety: An experience from a tertiary healthcare centre of Western India

Abstract

Background Quality indicators in Transfusion Medicine are critically important aspects that can be measured and utilized to design interventions for continuous quality improvement. Interventions for improvement in bedside transfusion practices are required to check the adherence to standard protocol for safe transfusion. Study design and methodsA prospective study was conducted with a structured checklist survey of 4 key elements, to collect data for baseline assessment phase I survey, subsequently phase II survey repeated after introduction of Transfusion Monitoring Form and Telephonic reminders from blood bank. Pre-and Post-intervention data collected, tabulated and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 23). Results Identification of Patient, Transfusion initiation within 30 min of issue, Vitals monitoring during transfusion and completion of transfusion within time limit are the four key elements of quality indicators were checked pre-and postintervention. Mean composite score of quality indicators before intervention was 2Á3 AE 1Á3 and increased to 3Á2 AE 1Á3 (P value < 0Á001) after implementation of the Transfusion Monitoring form and Reminder calls from Blood Bank. Conclusion Manufacturing good quality blood components alone does not ensure good transfusion services. Active interventions by Transfusion specialist ensure good bedside transfusion practices. Introduction of blood transfusion monitoring form and Telephonic reminders from the blood centre brought in significant changes in the existing bedside transfusion practices and safer transfusion at our centre.