This article is part of our Training Requirement Series where we provide comprehensive guides to meet the actual training requirements that are often needed/requested of learning and development departments within Australia's healthcare organisations. This series includes both general requirements, such as storing, distributing and tracing blood and blood products but also focuses on the specific requirements stemming from the NDIS, Aged Care and NSQHS Quality Standards.
What is Blood Storage?
Blood storage refers to the process of preserving donated blood and its components under regulated conditions to maintain their viability and safety for transfusion. This involves controlling temperature, humidity, and equipment standards.
The storage facilities also need to be equipped with continuous monitoring systems to alert healthcare staff of any deviations from the set conditions that could compromise the blood's safety. Additionally, blood banks use inventory management systems to track the shelf life of blood products and ensure that older stock is used first, thereby minimising waste and maximising the utility of donated blood. These practices are governed by strict health and safety regulations to prevent contamination and harm to the recipient
What is Blood Distribution?
Blood distribution involves the logistical management of blood products from the point of collection to the point of use. This ensures timely availability at various treatment sites while maintaining the integrity of the blood products.
The objective of this detailed logistical operation is not only to ensure the timely availability of blood products at diverse treatment sites but also to maintain the integrity and quality of these products throughout their journey. This is vital for preventing contamination and degradation of blood, which can compromise its effectiveness in medical treatments.
Effective distribution systems also incorporate advanced tracking and inventory management technologies that help streamline the supply chain and reduce wastage, thereby ensuring that these critical resources are available where and when they are most needed.
What is Blood Tracing?
Blood tracing is the ability to track the journey of blood products from donor to recipient. This process is crucial for safety, allowing for the rapid recall of products if needed and providing data for audits and compliance.
As the blood products move through the supply chain from collection, processing, storage, and finally to distribution each transition point is meticulously documented. This traceability ensures that if a problem arises, such as a contamination or an incompatible blood type, the affected products can be quickly identified and recalled, minimising the risk to patients.
Beyond safety, blood tracing is integral for regulatory compliance and operational audits. It provides health authorities and institutions with the necessary data to verify that blood products are handled according to established standards. Furthermore, tracing systems help manage inventory by providing real-time data on blood product availability, enhancing efficiency and reducing wastage in blood banks and hospitals.
What are Blood Products?
Blood products, derived from human blood, include red blood cells, platelets, plasma, and cryoprecipitate. Each component is crucial for specific medical treatments that aid with the ability for red blood cells to transport oxygen to vital organs, often used for bleeding disorders, essential for managing conditions like hemophilia.
Blood products include components such as:
- Red blood cells (RBCs)
- Platelets
- Clinical fresh, frozen plasma
- Cryoprecipitate
- Cryodepleted plasma
Why is Storing, Distributing and Tracing Blood and Blood Products Important?
Effective management of blood and blood products is vital for patient safety, ensuring that safe, viable products are available for transfusions and reducing risks such as contamination or misallocation.
- Proper storage ensures the viability and safety of blood products for transfusions.
- Efficient distribution guarantees timely availability of blood products across treatment centers.
- Accurate tracing reduces risks of contamination or misallocation, enhancing patient safety.
What is the “Storing, Distributing and Tracing Blood and Blood Products“ Requirement?
Under the NSQHS Standard 7, Action 7.09 mandates rigorous training to ensure staff are competent in handling these critical resources responsibly, efficiently and safely.
Relevant Standards
Action 7.09 states: The health service organisation has processes:
(a) That comply with manufacturers’ directions, legislation, and relevant jurisdictional requirements to store, distribute and handle blood and blood products safely and securely
(b) To trace blood and blood products from entry into the organisation to transfusion, discard or transfer
Action 7.01 states: Clinicians use the safety and quality systems from the Clinical Governance Standard when:
(a) Implementing policies and procedures for blood management
(b) Managing risks associated with blood management
(c) Identifying training requirements for blood management
Action 7.10 states: The health service organisation has processes to:
(a) Manage the availability of blood and blood products to meet clinical need
(b) Eliminate avoidable wastage
(c) Respond in times of shortage
National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards
What Skills do Staff Need For the "Storing, Distributing and Tracing Blood and Blood Products" Requirement?
Before listing the skills necessary for storing, distributing and tracing blood and blood products, it is important to understand that the capability to manage these elements securely and efficiently underpins the safety and efficacy of medical treatments.
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Technical proficiency | Understanding equipment and storage conditions. |
| Attention to detail | Ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with standards. |
| Risk management | Identifying and mitigating potential issues in the blood supply chain. |
| Communication skills | Effectively sharing information with healthcare teams and ensuring clear documentation. |
| Problem-solving abilities | Addressing and resolving issues that arise during storage or distribution processes. |
| Regulatory knowledge | Keeping up-to-date with healthcare regulations and safety standards related to blood management. |
| Incident report writing | Documenting any deviations or adverse events accurately and comprehensively to ensure accountability and learning. |
How to Assess Staff Competency in the “Storing, Distributing and Tracing Blood and Blood Products“ Requirement?
To ensure competence in managing blood products, assessing skills must be systematic and ongoing. This provides a benchmark for training effectiveness and staff readiness.
- Conduct regular performance reviews: Regularly evaluate individual performance and identify areas for improvement to maintain high standards of practice.
- Implement Competency-Bases Tests: Test staff knowledge and skills after each training module to ensure concepts and procedures are understood and can be applied.
- Use Simulation-Based Assessments: Employ realistic scenarios that require staff to demonstrate their ability to apply their skills and knowledge in practice.
- Review and Analyse Incident Reports: Use documented incidents as learning points to identify and address systemic issues or recurring errors within the team.
- Peer Review Sessions: Facilitate sessions where peers can assess each other’s handling of blood products, offering constructive feedback and sharing best practices.
Strategies to Support Employees Enhance Skills in “Storing, Distributing and Tracing Blood and Blood Products“ Requirement
To identify potential risks in systems:
- Conduct routine reviews of traceability and management reports: Regular assessments of traceability, collection, storage, and transport of blood and blood products to ensure compliance and efficiency within the organisation.
- Analyse incidents involving blood product management: Track and examine incidents related to the traceability, receipt, storage, and transport of blood products to identify and address recurring issues.
- Ensure sufficient inventory levels: Monitor stock levels regularly to guarantee that there is always enough supply to meet clinical needs without interruption.
- Track and minimise blood product wastage: Monitor wastage of blood and blood products, fulfilling the requirements of Action 7.10, and implement strategies to reduce waste.
- Assess risk factors using system reports: Evaluate risks by reviewing reports from blood management systems, such as temperature logs and refrigeration temperature registers, to ensure safe storage conditions.
Sample Skills Development Training Plan for the “Storing, Distributing and Tracing Blood and Blood Products“ Requirement
A detailed training plan is critical for skill development in healthcare roles. Below is an extended sample plan:
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Using the above needs assessment survey as an example - The skills that require the most attention for documenting information in storing, distributing, and tracing blood and blood products in healthcare are attention to detail and incident report writing. We can target learning initiatives to fill these gaps to enhance staff competency.
| Quarter | Topics | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Attention to Detail |
|
| Q2 | Incident Report Writing |
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Contact Ausmed today and see how we can support with your training requirement needs!
Sample Skills Survey to Assess the “Storing, Distributing and Tracing Blood and Blood Products“ Requirement
Staff Survey - Competency in Storing, Distributing, and Tracing Blood and Blood Products
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How confident are you in your ability to accurately manage the storage of blood and blood products?
- [Answer here]
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Do you feel you need more training on any specific aspects of distributing blood products?
- [Answer here]
-
How effective do you find the current system for tracing blood products from donor to recipient?
- [Answer here]
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Have you encountered any challenges with the existing protocols for the storage, distribution, or tracing of blood products?
- [Answer here]
-
Is there a particular area within the processes of storing, distributing, or tracing that you believe requires improvement?
- [Answer here]
Conclusion
Adhering to NSQHS Standard 7, Action 7.09 through effective training in the storage, distribution, and tracing of blood and blood products not only enhances patient care but also upholds the integrity of healthcare practices. Developing and assessing skills within this framework is essential for maintaining the high standards expected in healthcare provision.
References
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care 2024, Blood Management Standard, Safety and Quality, viewed 25 April 2024,'Blood Management Standard'
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2024. 'NSQHS 7.09'
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, 2024. 'NSQHS 7.01'
- Bloodsafe elearning Australia 2024, Transfusion Practice Courses Bloodsafe elearning Australia, viewed 25 april 2024, 'NSQHS 7.01'
