title: Developing a tracking system for coagulation factor concentrates in southern Ontario.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In response to the transfusion- transmitted AIDS epidemic, Canadian authorities recommended the development of tracking systems and improved reporting of adverse events. This study describes the development of a verifiable and comprehensive regional tracking system for coagulation factor concentrates.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Hamilton- Niagara Regional Hemophilia Program received distribution and utilization data from Canadian Blood Services, 26 regional hospitals, and 70 individuals with bleeding disorders on home-based therapy. Purpose-specific software, the Canadian Hemophilia Assessment and Resource Management System (CHARMS), was used to store, monitor, analyze, and validate data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During a 1-year period (2001), all factor concentrates distributed in this region were accounted for. A higher proportion of FVIII and FIX concentrates (88 vs. 12%) was infused at home than in hospitals, and a higher proportion (63 vs. 28%) was used to prevent than to treat bleeds. During a period of shortage, a 5-percent reduction in utilization of both FVIII and FIX concentrates was documented. One recall was managed swiftly and efficiently. Two patients reported allergic skin reactions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A verifiable tracking system has been developed that can provide ongoing data for both clinical and administrative purposes. Data collection from patients needs to be made more efficient and real-time recording is an important future objective. Such a system can be instituted locally for less than 1.5 percent of the cost of the factor concentrate used.
authors.affiliation: McMaster University Medical Center, 1200 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8N 3Z5, USA. walkeri@mcmaster.ca
authors.forename: Irwin R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Julia T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Sek
authors.forename: Theresa M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Almonte
authors.forename: Julie B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Carruthers
authors.forename: Anthony K C
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Mohan K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Pai
authors.forename: Alain A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Thibault
authors.forename: Nancy M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Heddle
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003625:Data Collection; D018563:Disease Notification; D006467:Hemophilia A / Q000628:therapy*; D006699:Home Care Services; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D012308:Risk Management
chemical_list: D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors