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The Effect of an Educational Program on Transfusion Practices in a Regional Blood Program
Author(s) -
Hillman R. S.,
Helbig S.,
Howes S.,
Hayes J.,
Meyer D. M.,
McArthur J. R.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1046/j.1537-2995.1979.19279160284.x
Subject(s) - audit , educational program , medicine , blood component , blood transfusion , emergency medicine , medical emergency , surgery , business , accounting , political science , law
With the increased complexity of blood component therapy, it is important to be able to modify physician behavior with reliable educational programs. A standardized educational program on the use of red blood cells and whole blood was tested in 22 hospitals in a regional blood program using medical audit and computer monitoring to evaluate effectiveness. Most hospitals were eager to take advantage of the education program but were unwilling to use the audit‐education cycle. At the same time, computer monitoring of individual hospital ordering and transfusion practices demonstrated an increased utilization of red blood cells in 64 per cent of hospitals with an overall improvement of 8 per cent. The improved use of red blood cells was appreciated within the month of the program and then sustained for six to twelve months at the new level.