[Quality-assessment of the transfusion record in a Paris hospital in 2003].
OBJECTIVE
To realize a clinical audit of the quality of the transfusion record in the Pitie-Salpetriere hospital (Paris, France).


METHODS
Using a 1/10th poll method, a representative sample of patients who underwent a blood transfusion in the first quarter of 2002 in the hospital was constituted. Data were collected in the clinical units using a standardized questionnaire.


RESULTS
Sample size was 247 patients for whom 219 patient files and 207 transfusion record (94.5%, CI(95%) [91.5-97.5]) were found. Transfusion record did not follow the patient in 29 cases (59%). Among the transfusion record, 82.1% contained a copy of the prescription for blood components, 89.8% a transfusion card, 93.2% a traceability note, 100% an ABO group card, 98.6% an antibody screen, 57.1% a pretransfusion viral testing results and 7,8% a copy of the posttransfusion biology testing. Traceability of pre and posttransfusion patient information was respectively 6,8% and 21,1%. Presence of pretransfusion testing results, patient information and posttransfusion prescription was significantly higher in the surgical and intensive care units' patient files than in the medical units (resp. P = 0.018; 0.02 and 0.017).


CONCLUSIONS
Difficulties in the transmission of transfusion records when patients change clinical unit or are rehospitalized and a lack of knowledge concerning the elements which are mandatory to be kept in the transfusion record could explain the results of this study. This assessment is fully in line with the process of transfusion security improvement. In order to promote the quality of the transfusion record, new recommendations and tools were elaborated following this study.
Ittah-Desmeulles
H
H
Santé publique, groupe hospitalier Pitié-Salpétrière, 47-83, boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75651 Paris, France. helene.ittah@psl.ap-hop-paris.fr
Nguyen
L
L
Moreau
C
C
Garrot
H
H
Bourdillon
F
F
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records / Q000592:standards*; D010297:Paris; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System