Development of a Transfusion-Indication Data-Entry Program and Analysis of Transfusion Indications at a University Hospital in Korea / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: Transfusion guidelines are not only essential for the optimal use of blood products, but also help reduce transfusion-related adverse reactions and improve patients' outcomes. In this hospital, a transfusion-indication data-entry program based on the national transfusion guidelines was developed and applied to the electronic medical record system in 2016. All transfusion orders, except for emergencies, have been performed using this program since then. This study analyzed the reasons for the transfusion to monitor the blood product usage and provide feedback to clinicians.

A Survey on the Awareness and Usage of the National Transfusion Guideline in Korea / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: Transfusion guidelines play an important role for the appropriate use and quality assurance of blood and transfusion services. The Korean national transfusion guideline was developed in 2009 and went under full amendment in 2016. The purpose of this study was to investigate the awareness and practicality of the transfusion guideline in Korea. METHODS: Questionnaires about the Korean national transfusion guideline were sent by traditional mail or e-mail to a total of 1,179 clinicians, 32 academic societies, and 6 institutions. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventy-four answers were received; a response rate of 30.7%. The proportion of respondents with good awareness of the guideline was 23.3%, which is a significant increase compared with 10.9% in 2008. Respondents with good awareness were more dependent on the transfusion guideline when making transfusion decisions. CONCLUSION: There was a considerable increase in the awareness of the national transfusion guideline in Korea.

Analysis of Fresh Frozen Plasma Usage at a Regional Hospital / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: Fresh frozen plasmas (FFPs) do not seem to be effectively managed compared to red blood cells and prophylactic transfusions of FFPs still occur in many cases. We evaluated appropriateness of FFP transfusion and analyzed the conditions of FFP usage in a regional hospital. METHODS: The conditions of FFP usage were investigated over one year from January 2012 to December 2012 using computerized medical records and archived documents. Results of coagulation tests before transfusion, appropriateness of FFP usage, and the reason for discarding FFP were investigated, and the assessment of the appropriateness of FFP transfusion was based on the transfusion guidelines published by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RESULTS: During the study period, 2,675 units of FFP were transfused to 364 patients over 752 episodes. FFP transfusions were inappropriate in 33.1% of episodes, and empirically used FFPs without performing pre-transfusion coagulation tests or when the test results were in the reference range occupied 25.7% of inappropriate FFP transfusions. Improper use of FFPs was most common in the Department of Emergency Medicine. During the three-year period, discarding rate of FFPs was 1.3% and the most common cause was the death or worsening condition of patients. Discarding FFPs was greatest in the Department of Thoracic Surgery and Cardiology. CONCLUSION: Many FFPs were inappropriately transfused. This was due to a general lack of understanding of the transfusion guidelines among physicians. Continuous training and education as well as ongoing monitoring of FFP usage are necessary.