Implementing structured handoffs to verify operating room blood delivery using a quality academy training program: an interrupted time-series analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background Blood transfusion is a complex process at risk for error. Objective To implement a structured handoff during the blood transfusion process to improve delivery verification. Methods A multidisciplinary team participated in the quality academy training program at an academic medical center and implemented a structured handoff of blood delivery to the operating room (OR) using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles between 28 October 2019 and 1 December 2019. An interrupted time-series analysis was performed to investigate the proportions of verified deliveries (primary outcome) and of verified deliveries among those without a handoff (secondary outcome). Delivery duration was also assessed. Results A total of 2606 deliveries occurred from 1 July 2019 to 19 April 2020. The baseline trend for verified deliveries was unchanging [parameter coefficient −0.0004; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.002 to 0.001; P = 0.623]. Following intervention, there was an immediate level change (parameter coefficient 0.115; 95% CI 0.053 to 0.176; P = 0.001) without slope change (parameter coefficient 0.002; 95% CI −0.004 to 0.007; P = 0.559). For the secondary outcome, there was no immediate level change (parameter coefficient −0.039; 95% CI −0.159 to 0.081; P = 0.503) or slope change (parameter coefficient 0.002; 95% CI −0.022 to 0.025; P = 0.866). The mean (SD) delivery duration during the intervention was 12.4 (2.8) min and during the post-intervention period was 9.6 (1.6) min (mean difference 2.8; 95% CI 0.9 to 4.8; P = 0.008). Conclusion Using the quality academy framework supported the implementation of a structured handoff during blood delivery to the OR, resulting in a significant increase in verified deliveries.