title: The utilization of red cell concentrates at Kimberley Hospital Complex, Northern Cape Province, South Africa.
abstract: This prospective clinical audit of the utilization of red cell concentrates assesses 55 consecutive transfusion episodes in chronically anaemic adult patients. It examines the appropriateness and outcome of the transfusion episodes; over-transfusion and wastage rates, assessment of anaemia, the informed consent process, and if teaching influenced these parameters when compared to an earlier retrospective audit. The audit revealed several strengths and weaknesses relating to our institution's transfusion practices. Training sessions led to clinically and economically important improvements in transfusion decisions, the investigation of anaemia and the obtainment of informed consent prior to transfusions.
authors.affiliation: Department Internal Medicine, Kimberley Hospital Complex, Kimberley, South Africa. Electronic address: sjoubert@ncpg.gov.za.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Joubert
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bosman
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Joubert
authors.forename: V J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Louw
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001793:Blood Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion / Q000379:methods*; D004912:Erythrocytes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013019:South Africa; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Audit; Red cell transfusion; South Africa