About TransSAFE
ABO incompatible transfusion is a rare but serious event. The Serious Hazards of Transfusion Reporting Scheme has documented that most errors occur because of mistakes at the bedside when administering the blood. What is TransSAFE?
Newbury Data TransSAFE is a low-tech device to improve and simplify the checking procedure. It is hoped that it will not only reduce errors but also improve recording of transfusion and aid compliance with the recent EU Directive on blood safety and quality.
Newbury Data’s TransSAFE blood transfusion verifier is a project supported by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA). A hospital may require a TransSAFE unit per ward or shared ward as a starter package. In addition they will require a thermal printer for TraceSAFE labels and a supply of the labels.
TransSAFE Benefits
- Improves Patient Safety
- Improves recording of transfusion in patient case notes
- Improves compliance with the EU Directive
- Improves blood transfusion audits.
- TransSAFE can be used as a stand alone patient safety solution or part of the TraceSAFE Blood Transfusion Verification (BTV) & Patient Safety system
- The system offers the first step on the rung towards a full electronic sampling and administration system.
Reduction in Nurses Time
Although use of a single nurse for bedside checking of blood has been recommended in a few trusts, most nurses feel unhappy about carrying out the check without a colleague. The time taken to find a colleague and then do the test can be considerable.
The use of TransSAFE encourages nurses to check blood transfusion alone. Trials have found that nurses’ feel secure in the knowledge that not only have they made an electronic check, but that the check has been fully recorded in a fashion not easy to falsify.
Save Time & Money
Estimates show that the time taken to complete a transfusion check is approximately 5 minutes of nursing time and costs approximately £1.00 per unit transfused. A large DGH may transfuse 20,000 units or blood components per year. Therefore there are possible savings in nursing time of up to £20,000 per annum. Whilst it is recognised that these costs are unlikely to be recovered in real terms, they will nevertheless reduce the pressure on staffing of wards and theatres.
Reduce Days In Hospital
Using TransSAFE to ensure a positive blood to patient match will reduce the likelihood of incorrect blood being to the wrong patient that results in prolonged periods of stay in expensive to run hospital ward beds. The cost of extra hospital days and patient care runs into millions per year as a direct result of non-fatal ABO incompatible transfusions.
Improve CNST Approvals
Use of TransSAFE is likely to improve the chances of hospitals gaining higher grade of CNST approval. Blood transfusion training and management has been considered a critical part of this process. Considerable savings may accrue in trusts achieving a higher grade of approval.
Reduced Media Costs
TransSAFE compatible TraceSAFE labels will cost approx. 40% less for the standard TraceSAFE label. A large DGH may use approximately 20,000 labels per year.
Possible Sources of Funding
- Pathology Modernisation funds - Sub Regional Application may help hospitals introduce barcoded wristbands and/or the Transcheck system.
- Audit funds in view of improved audit potential
- Funds allocated for improving patient safety.
TransSAFE Summary
- TransSAFE offers the chance to improve safety of transfusion for a small initial capital cost.
- Running costs are low and depending on current systems of blood labelling may be neutral.
- Savings in nurse time will lead to it being self-funding over a short period
- Improved safety will help reduce insurance premiums for medical errors.
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