engleski

Organization and management of transfusion medicine

New scientific discoveries, development of medical science and technology, an aging population and increased chronic disease morbidity require a reorganization of the entire healthcare system, including transfusion medicine. There are various organizational models of transfusion services worldwide ; however, the search for the optimal one is still ongoing. Transfusion centers are progressively becoming small pharmaceutical factories where blood is collected, tested and blood components are produced. Final products are stored and distributed to hospitals, where safe, efficient and adequate clinical practice should be implemented. Transfusion treatment is becoming a significant segment of the wide-ranging patient healthcare and is affecting all clinical fields. Considering that it covers several work-sites and organizational units, and that it includes a staff of different specialties, transfusion medicine represents a high-risk activity. Today, as a result of an improving blood donor selection, transfusion-transmissible disease diagnostics, automated production and a developed quality control system, blood is safer than ever. However, the zero-risk has not yet been attained. In the past years the risks and adverse effects that accompany transfusion treatment and lack of appropriate blood products have instigated and intensified the engagement in a concept of developing a high-quality transfusion medicine organization and management model. The pursued vision of a 21st century transfusion medicine is the establishment of a safe, quality, efficient and cost-effective transfusion treatment. To achieve that, goals must be set which will enable the accomplishment of the vision, and they are included in the mission. The mission comprises the presence of a safe donor, the assurance of good laboratory and manufacturing practice, a quality system, clinical transfusion evidence-based practice, developing strategies on reducing and avoiding unnecessary and unjustified transfusion treatment, and the application of alternatives to allogenic blood. Team work and continuous training of all subjects participating in the process of vein-to-vein transfusion treatment is essential. The analysis of set goals reveals the limitation factors, primarily financial, staff and time issues. The organizational structure of the transfusion services in Croatia should recognize the geographical diversity, population density, availability of healthcare and socioeconomic conditions. This requires the establishment of a national program of safe blood transfusion involving the engagement of government authorities and the minister of health.

Transfusion medicine; organization; management

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