Hospital-based Clinical Transfusion Process Audit and Quality Improvement in Africa: A Critical Review
Journal Title: International Blood Research & Reviews - Year 2017, Vol 7, Issue 3
Abstract
Background: Clinical transfusion process (CTP) in Africa is an age long practice yearning for scientifically sound, evidence-based findings to address existent challenges of quality. Objective: To review relevant aspects of hospital-based transfusion practices in Africa wherein practices were assessed against standards (audit) and its impacts weighted on quality improvement. We also sought to identify challenges to auditing and proffered strategies for practice improvement where necessary. Methodology: A systemic review of literature searched on MEDLINE, Google, other internet sources using related search words as well as hand searches of review articles and files. Results: Audit reports on hospital-based transfusion process in Africa are generally few when compared to the multiple steps and procedures involved, wide geographical spread and heterogeneity of the continent. Prevailing practice challenges includes unstructured transfusion services with paucity of voluntary non-remunerated blood donors, absence of many guidelines, low funding and commitment for effective oversights and paucity of trained audit personnel. Conclusion: Quality in hospital-based CTP in Africa can continuously improve if all stakeholders evaluate their performances against acceptable standards and provide evidence-based facts that can be deployed in correcting inadequacies existing therein and in advancing transfusion therapy as obtainable in other climes. A functional and well supported structured transfusion service in all African nations that will nurture more transfusion-based researches for guideline development is advocated. Also, increased funding, legislation and general oversights by central governments as well as synergetic continental, regional and group cooperation by hospitals in proximate locations will offer opportunities for manpower development, knowledge transfer and effective inventory management desirable for promoting hospital-based CTP audit practices in Africa.
Authors and Affiliations
Joseph Aondowase Orkuma, Michael Tyodoo Maanongun
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP306723
- DOI 10.9734/IBRR/2017/32666
- Views 111
- Downloads 0
Transfusion Transmissible Infections among Blood Donors at the Blood Bank of Medical College of Gwalior: A 5 Year Study
Introduction: Transfusion Transmitted Infections (TTIs) are a major problem associated with blood transfusion. Accurate estimates of risk of TTIs are essential for monitoring the safety of blood supply and evaluating the...
Prevalence of Anaemia among Children Attending Paediatrics Department of UDUTH, Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria
Introduction: Anaemia is a global public health problem. It affects more than 56 million people globally, two thirds of them being from developing countries. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence and type...
Osteoporosis in Hemophilia
Aim: The aim of this paper is to review the pathophysiology, risk factors, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in persons with hemophilia (PWH). Study Design and Methodology: In a search of PubMed up to September 24...
Pattern, Determinants, and Costing Review of Send-out Tests in a Secondary Care Hospital Setting in Saudi Arabia
Background: The need for advanced laboratory tests, mostly performed at reference laboratories, increases over time. Officials have to choose between “send-out” testing or introducing such tests among their test menus, b...
Hematological Changes Following Oral Administration of Aqueous Root Bark Extract of Salacia lehmbachii in Albino Rats
Objective: This study investigated the effects of oral administration of aqueous root bark extract of Salacia lehmbachii on some haematological indices in albino rats. Methodology: Twenty-four male rats weighing 180-200...