The use of laboratory intervention to stem the flow of fresh-frozen plasma.
Four methods of laboratory intervention were tested by the hospital blood bank in an effort to modify the use of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP). Over a one-year period, a utilization audit was serially initiated with feedback to physicians, a recurrent educational program was introduced for housestaff delineating guidelines for FFP use, a form was introduced requiring justification for FFP orders, and a policy was established requiring pathologist approval of FFP in patients with normal or no coagulation studies. Overall, in comparing the period following all forms of intervention (February 1986-October 1986) to the baseline period prior to any form of intervention (July 1984-March 1985), FFP use dropped 52% in the face of a 17% increase in red blood cell use. It was concluded that blood bankers can dramatically alter the use of this product using established methods for modifying physician ordering behavior.
Solomon
R R
RR
Department of Medical Technology, State University of New York, Buffalo.
Clifford
J S
JS
Gutman
S I
SI
D001771:Blood Banks; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D006801:Humans; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000193:education; D010949:Plasma