Sutter Medical Center Sacramento Sacramento, California, United States
Background/Case Studies: In 2021 a change in the blood supplier contract with a large multi-hospital system necessitated a review of blood inventory management. Historically the contract offered product on consignment, making it permissible to return the products prior to outdate for full credit. The new contract stipulated direct sale of ordered products. Due to the short life span of a platelet, concerns regarding cost and wastage became a high priority for the Transfusion Services department. Since one of the hospital affiliates averages platelet usages of approximately 16-18/day, this study examines the feasibility of transferring platelets within the hospital system.
Study
Design/Methods: Surveyed affiliate transfusion services to determine interest in transferring product. Collaborated with the blood supplier to discuss the complexity of moving product electronically within their computer system to ensure accuracy of billing and product location. Evaluated startup costs including, courier and licensing fees, and purchasing a standard transfer box. Transfer box validation study performed which included transport distance, storage time and workflow. Completed a comparison study of product return rate for the 10 identified hospital affiliates which assessed the likelihood of a positive operational impact.
Results/Findings: Table 1 demonstrates the cost and product savings realized at this hospital system. The data is comprised of 10 affiliates sending directly to 1 affiliate for final usage. The cost of the courier and annual licensing has been subtracted from the savings to represent the actual overall financial impact. The high incidence of outdating that occurred in 2021 was due to fluctuation in hospital stay during COVID Delta variant surge. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that transferring product among hospital affiliates of a large system can reap the financial benefits, along with show casing the best practice for inventory management. In addition, there is a positive impact for the local blood supply, which benefits the surrounding hospital community.
Importance of research: Because of the diminishing donor pool it is critical that we do our part to preserve as many products as we can. With patient care costs increasing it is important we strive to be good stewards of our blood supply. The helps with the financials of an organization so they can provide more care for those individuals who have financial hardships.
