How do Anesthesia Providers Assure the Identity of Patients Receiving Blood Transfusion
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to document how anesthesia providers identify patients for blood transfusion. Accurate patient identification is of paramount importance in the assurance of safe blood administration. For the last 20 years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports of transfusion-related fatalities have shown that the surgical patient is at most risk for a hemolytic transfusion reaction. In the first three years of required FDA reporting of transfusion-related fatalities in the United States, 59% occurred in the surgical suite. In addition, 90% of the transfusion-related fatalities were due to clerical errors in which positive patient identification would have prevented most of the fatalities. A questionnaire was given to 71 nurse and physician anesthesia providers. Demographic data was collected to determine years of professional experience and what type of education and training the anesthesia providers has had in patient identification procedures. Descriptive statistical analysis of the data was performed. The conceptual framework of the study was based on a clinical decision-making model.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 10, 1997
- Accession Number
- AD1011748
Entities
People
- David A. Sheppard
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences