A program of continuous quality improvement of blood transfusion safety. Example of St-Camille Hospital

A program of quality improvement of blood transfusion safety was carried out in St Camille Hospital after a call. for tenders had been jointly issued by the French Ministry of Health and the French Agency for Medical Evaluation (ANDEM). The blood transfusion process was analysed and a diagnosis of the situation was performed. improvement actions were then undertaken to control the blood transfusion process. They consisted in education programs, elaboration of procedures and documents such as a transfusion record and a transfusion manual. The effectiveness of the actions was measured using indicators. Such a quality improvement approach revealed to be a good method to manage the blood transfusion process and to improve safety. However, it requires people's involvement in the project, and rigourous project management.