Audit of Nurses‐ Adherence to Pre‐transfusion Checking

Abstract

Background  Errors in blood product administration occur not infrequently and cause morbidity and mortality. Pre‐transfusion checking at the bedside is the final opportunity to detect errors and is thus a vital step in preventing wrong transfusions. Unfortunately, pre‐transfusion checking is the area where most common errors are documented. We developed a number of strategies to improve nurses’ adherence to pre‐transfusion checking guidelines.Method  Pre‐transfusion checking practices were audited by direct observation. Nurses in Haematology/Oncology unit and PICU were targeted because both units are major blood users in our hospital. Pre defined key measures of adherence to best practice re..