How do we build a transfusion safety program during challenging times?
Kaycie Atchison, Kirk Krokosky, Barbara Martin, Jenny Slayton, Jennifer AndrewsAbstract
Background
The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic led to systemic shortages in the blood supply that highlighted the importance of blood stewardship and optimal blood utilization. We built a transfusion safety program in late 2020, the impact of which was immediately apparent.
Study Design and Methods
We describe how we justified and obtained funding and resources to build a transfusion safety program at our institution, how we hired and trained two Transfusion Safety Officers (one registered nurse and one medical laboratory scientist), and highlight three early successful projects: (1) decreasing rejected samples, (2) decreasing blood wastage, and 3. improving processes around ordering Massive Transfusion Protocols (MTPs).
Results
Through gap analysis and developing metrics with a goal of providing “early wins,” our Transfusion Safety team decreased rejected specimens and blood wastage by approximately 30% each and instituted best practices around MTPs including notification of discontinuation of the protocol to >95%.
Discussion
We successfully started a Transfusion Safety Program during a national blood shortage, which immediately impacted our hospital's blood supply through successful projects including blood stewardship. We highlight our program to serve as a practical resource for institutions seeking guidance on how to initiate and sustain a similar program at their institution.