Improving communication of inpatient blood transfusion events to GPs. Issue 2 (25th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robbins, Timothy
• Is Part Of: BMJ open quality. Volume 2:Issue 2(2013)
• Publication Date: 2014-02-25
• Subjects: Medical care -- Quality control -- Periodicals; 362.106805
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjquality.u202934.w1363
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-6641

Abstract

Abstract: Patients who have had blood transfusions whilst in hospital must have this information communicated to their General Practitioner at discharge. Audit demonstrated that just 50% of patients (n=15) under medical specialties who had undergone a blood transfusion had this information included in their discharge letter. To improve this, a section was specifically designated on the e-discharge pro-forma for the documentation of blood transfusion events, and focused teaching was delivered to all new FY1 doctors at their induction. Post intervention, 80% of blood transfusions occurring in medical patients were documented on the e-discharge, with an improvement in how detailed this documentation was (n=40). This simple intervention is an easily reproducible, cost neutral method of ensuring that more blood transfusion events are communicated to patients' GPs; improving care and reducing risk.