Academy
Maximising data for decision making and improving customer services toward the donor and blood transfusion services
Rodin Simo Kiegaing
Data Touch Analytics (DTA), Doula, Cameroon
Fonkou Steve
Transfusion Medicine Specialist, Cameroon
Célestine Clémence Nsi
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
In Cameroon, the estimated national need for blood products is approximately 400,000 units per year. Unfortunately, only about 35% of this demand is currently being met. In response to this critical gap, we proposed and implemented an information management system at the Douala Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital (HGOPED) and Military Hospital Region 2, called Benkadi. Following this implementation, we observed that many hospitals in Cameroon either lack an information management system or are unable to effectively use existing data to make informed decisions and improve blood bank operations.
To address this, we partnered with the National Blood Transfusion Services to organise a training program, sponsored by the ISBT Academy foundation aimed at equipping blood bank personnel in Cameroon with skills in data utilization and customer service improvement. This was a 2-day workshop as an ISBT academy event with 48 participants from 3 of the 10 regions (Littoral, Center and South-West) of Cameroon. Participants came from 17 hospitals (public, military and faith-based institutions) and representatives of the National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS). The participants included physicians, medical laboratory scientists, clinical pathologists, information technology experts and project managers. This was hosted at SkyHotel, Douala.
The program ran, from 7:30 am to 5 pm, with a chairperson per day. The days comprised of Morning-Afternoon sessions, and Afternoon-Evening sessions. The first day comprised of 4 presentations, one ice-breaker session and two team building activities. Whereas the second day had 3 presentations, one group activity and round table discussions. A feedback form was filled at the end of the training.
The first day was chaired by the current and pioneer general manager of the NBTS; Mbanya Dora. The day dawned with a welcome word and keynote address from Mbanya Dora. She highlighted the crucial importance of data and digitilisation of blood services for optimum functioning. Also, she brought to the knowledge of the participants the steps the NBTS was taking in this direction and the challenges faced. Finally she requested the participants to disseminate the knowledge gained back in their various workstations. Specific goals on this day sought to understand the fundamentals of data management, exploring the good use of data to reinforce traceability and the NBTS shared their current strategy in management of data at the national level. This was promptly delivered by Naomi Wamba, Clothilde Djuikem and Mangolo Patrice respectively. The day closed with a presentation on how to use available data to enhance donors’ experience in recruitment and retention, given by Fonkou Steve.This was showcased with practical examples. Four groups were formed and they were given different topics with the aim of creating a network among the blood banks in Littoral to better share data to improve the blood transfusion services.
The second day focused on improving understanding of data-driven supply chain management for better forecasting, stock management and distribution of blood products done by Celestine Nsi. This was followed by Penka Michel’s presentation on best practices in customer service bringing to light the relationship between teamwork, donor experience and donor retention. The presentations were closed excellently by Nda Mefo’o (Viced-dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Douala), who drilled the participants on leadership and management skills to optimize resource allocation and personnel performance using data insights. All these sessions were extremely engaging particularly with the practical challenges explained by the participants and solutions discussed.
Post all the presentations, was the time to put into use the creative and inter-disciplinary strength of the various participants via the teamwork and round table discussions. The theme of the round table discussion was, “Improving data sharing on blood products in Douala”. This focused on 4 aspects: Data sharing (mechanisms of communication, type of information to be shared, tools and frequency), harmonization of transfusion practices (standardization, practice to reduce waste, collaboration between laboratory scientists and clinicians, re-enforcement of guidelines), logistics and security (transport organization, cold-chain, traceability and timely delivery) and governance/coordination (leadership and responsibility, engagement of stakeholders, technical committee, key performance indicators). All these were exhaustively discussed, bringing to light possibility and hope for better transfusion service provision in the country.
A closing remark was then given and sincere appreciation was expressed towards Rodin Simo, principally organiser of this event. Pictures were taken and participants returned satisfied, enlightened and ready to be the change of the face of blood transfusion services in Cameroon.
