(P-PB-29) Use of Lean Six SIgma-DMAIC Approch to Address Challenges in Blood Transfusion Documentation Practices. A Case Study from First AABB Accredited Blood Center of Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan.

By utilizing the DMAIC Quality Improvement methodology, the study examines the impact on documentation compliance and proposes strategies to overcome software-related challenges.

Results/Findings:

The incomplete documentation of blood transfusions was highlighted in quality meetings through the quality indicator "Transfusion without Vitalia," which revealed that 3-5% of blood transfusion were left incomplete in the Vitalia software application. To reduce this percentage, stakeholders were involved in identifying and defining challenges leading to incomplete transfusions in Vitalia due to documentation issues. 

The incomplete transfusions were analyzed ward-wise to identify patterns and trends. The goal was to determine the root causes of incomplete documentation and measure the extent of the issue across different wards.

The analysis phase focused on understanding the causes of incomplete documentation in Vitalia. This included examining factors such as user training, application usability, integration with other hospital systems, and potential software glitches that could lead to documentation errors.

Based on the analysis, strategies were developed to improve the documentation process in Vitalia. This involved enhancing user training, addressing software integration issues, and implementing system improvements to prevent glitches and errors. Blood center along with IT team updated mobile phone scanner in all mobile devices available in each ward. To restrict wrong input of data entry in Vitalia software application, the developer has been notified by raising software change request.

< ![if !vml] >< The control phase involves implementing measures to sustain improvements and ensure that the documentation process in Vitalia remains effective. Continuous monitoring, periodic training sessions, and feedback mechanisms are established to maintain compliance and address any emerging challenges promptly

 

Conclusions:

It has been demonstrated that resolving software-related issues with blood transfusion procedures at the Korangi Campus of Indus Hospital and Health Network has the potential to enhance documentation compliance. Vitalia application problems are critical to guaranteeing patient safety and high-quality care, and this project's use of the DMAIC Quality Improvement tool offered insightful information on how to solve them. This project provides other healthcare facilities with guidance on how to improve blood transfusion practices by efficiently utilizing technology, with an emphasis on process improvement and ongoing stakeholder engagement.