Introduction:
As the haematology service at Northern Health expands, so has the demand on haematology supportive therapy for non malignant and malignant haematological conditions.
Frequent blood transfusion coordination can be complicated and at times confusing for patients. The implementation of a structured program was required to enable the patient to become involved in their transfusion needs.
Objectives/Aims:
To effectively manage and co ordinate the care of haematology patients requiring transfusion support at Northern Health and to decrease overnight admissions due to anaemia.
Description/Methodology:
Data collection was performed over a three year period of the number of blood transfusions administered in Day Oncology over 2 campuses.
Literature review was conducted and current practices from external sources were explored.
Results:
The data collection revealed a 45% increase in blood transfusion administration in the Day Oncology unit from 2010 – 2012.
An electronic prescribing system was utilized by the haematologist to create a transfusion pathway with indicated parameters for transfusion. This allowed nursing staff to monitor transfusion frequency and organize blood tests, transport and assess supportive care needs in advance. A data base was created to maintain a record of patient’s requirements.
A Transfusion Support Program Nursing Assessment Tool and patient Education Pack was developed to record information in scanned medical records.
Conclusions:
Implementation of a Transfusion Support Program has enabled effective management of patient’s care improving quality of life and decreased hospital overnight admissions. Further evaluations will be performed as the program expands.