Implementation of a patient blood management programme for platelet therapy among haemato-oncology patients—A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Background: The paucity of data pertaining to the implementation of the patient blood management (PBM) programme for platelet transfusion for improved patient outcomes with minimal risks motivated this study. The study aimed to implement an effective PBM programme for platelet transfusion therapy among haemato-oncology patients evaluating transfusion appropriateness and educational intervention for dedicated platelet transfusion practitioners (PtP). Study Designs and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted for 1 year after Institutional ethics committee (IEC) (as shown in Annexure I) which included pre-intervention, intervention and post-intervention phases for four months each. The study involved platelet auditing, online survey questionnaires, educational intervention for the platelet transfusion practitioners (PtP) and feedback for user satisfaction. Results: The platelet audit showed statistically significant improvement (chi-square test, p < 0.05) in transfusion appropriateness, completeness of the forms filled, number of single donor apheresis procedures, ABO compatible transfusions and thereby reduction in platelet refractory cases during the post-intervention phase compared to the pre-intervention. The online survey showed improvement in self perceived knowledge and practice for all the stakeholders during the post-intervention period. Conclusion: The introduction of platelet transfusion practitioners and the educational sessions they underwent, had a significant impact in achieving transfusion appropriateness for platelet therapy and they gained the ability to prioritise medical emergencies, optimise platelet inventory management and minimise wastage. Educational interventions have enhanced practitioners knowledge and sensitised them to adhere to standard evidence-based platelet transfusion guidelines.