Educational resources in information technology

In many countries, it is now standard practice to have computer systems supporting donor collection and processing, transfusion laboratory work, electronic tracking of blood components from vein to vein and electronic patient records. With this comes the need for interoperability to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of information relating to transfusion. Guidelines are available to support best practices for these systems1,2,3. Advances in technology are changing the knowledge and skills requirements for staff working in the transfusion setting.

The requirement to understand the theory of transfusion science remains but there is now a need for integrating this with an understanding of the functionality and interoperability of IT systems in order for the systems to be configured correctly to support safe practice. IT systems have the potential to enhance transfusion safety and efficiency4,5. However, if not implemented and used correctly there may be unintended consequences6,7.

In the UK the Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) reports8 show that failure to configure IT systems correctly result in error, leading to patient harm. SHOT reports show adverse events with an IT-related element increasing year on year, reflecting the expanding use of transfusion IT systems in the UK.