title: Performance indicators: A tool for continuous quality improvement.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Performance monitoring is an important tool which can be used for setting priorities for process improvement. At our centre, we have been monitoring every step in the processes, right from inventory of consumables (both critical and routine) to number of donors reactive for TTI. We conducted a study to measure the impact of monitoring Performance Indicators and how it could be used as a tool for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI).
  
  
  METHODS
  The present study was a retrospective study where the performance indicator (PI) data of blood bank was analyzed for over four years. For certain parameters, benchmarks or thresholds were set that represented warning limits or action limits. The yearly data were collated from monthly data. Shifts or Trends, if any, were identified and Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) taken accordingly. At the end, outcomes of the analysis were charted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After the yearly data evaluation, outcomes obtained were used to plan, correct and amend processes and systems in the blood center. It was observed that the workload of the center showed an upward trend. This helped us to plan for the purchase of consumables and management of manpower. The monitoring of usage and discard of blood helped in the efficient management of blood stocks. The need for any new equipment could also be judged by the trends in workload.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Performance indicators are indispensible tools which various stakeholders in the Blood Transfusion centres should implement to improve on quality performance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: Nidhi M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Bhatnagar
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: Shital
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Soni
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: Maitrey
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gajjar
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: Mamta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: Sangita
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: Vaidehi
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Patel
keywords: Blood center; continuous quality improvement (CQI); performance indicator (PI) monitoring