3 research outputs found
The BLOODSAFE program: Building the future of access to safe blood in Sub-Saharan Africa: Building the future of access to safe blood in Sub-Saharan Africa
No full textBackground: The supply of blood in many low- and middle-income nations in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) does not meet the patient care needs. Lack and delay of blood transfusion cause harm to patients and slow the rate of progress in other parts of the health system. Recognizing the power of implementation science, the BLOODSAFE Program was initiated which supports three SSA research study teams and one data coordinating center (DCC) with the goal to improve access to safe blood transfusion in SSA. Study Design and Methods: The study team in Ghana is focusing on studying and decreasing iron deficiency in blood donors and evaluating social engagement of blood donors through different approaches. The study team in Kenya is building a “vein to vein” workflow model to elucidate and devise strategies to overcome barriers to blood donation and improve infrastructural components of blood product production and use. The Malawi team is studying the infectious disease ramifications of blood donation as well as blood donor retention strategies aimed at blood donors who commence their donation career in secondary schools. Results and Discussion: Together the project teams and the DCC work as a consortium to support each other through a shared study protocol that will study donor motivations, outcomes, and adverse events across all three countries. The BLOODSAFE Program has the potential to lead to generalizable improvement approaches for increasing access to safe blood in SSA as well as mentoring and building the research capacity and careers of many investigators
Exploring barriers and facilitators to blood donation in secondary schools in Malawi
No full textBACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Despite the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS) increasing the amount of blood collected since its inception in 2004, Malawi remains with a 27% deficit in required blood supplies nationally. We sought to understand the facilitators and barriers to blood donation among secondary school students in Malawi. METHODS: We utilised a qualitative exploratory design, with a sample of 135 participants purposefully selected from 16 secondary schools across Malawi. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews with 20 participants (inclusive of first-time and repeat donors, lapsed and non-donors), 20 key informant interviews (including community leaders, policy-level stakeholders and MBTS staff), and 16 focus group discussions involving 95 participants (community stakeholders and all donor categories). We used the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR) to assess barriers and facilitators of blood donation, focusing only on four CFIR domains: internal and external factors; the implementation process and individual characteristics influencing blood donation. RESULTS: Blood donation among students are facilitated by altruism, incentives including milestone awards, knowledge, motivation, transport, peer pressure and individual health status. Common barriers cited included: negative experiences with the blood donation process, fear, unsupported environment, poor incentives, privacy issues and the donation activities starting late than scheduled. CONCLUSION: While there have been efforts to motivate students to donate blood, significant barriers to blood donation still exist. Intensifying education and awareness campaigns may help dispel misconceptions and fears surrounding donation experiences and blood usage. Also, continuing with the provision of appropriate incentives including milestone awards may also encourage students
Bloody Good! The Impact of eLearning on Medical and Nursing Practice
No full text<p class="Abstract">Blood transfusion is a commonly-performed medical procedure that improves and saves the lives of patients. However, this procedure also has significant risks, is sometimes used inappropriately and has substantial costs associated with the collection, testing, processing and distribution of blood and blood products.</p><p class="Abstract">BloodSafe eLearning Australia (BEA) (<a href="/index.php/i-jac/author/saveSubmit/www.bloodsafelearning.org.au">www.bloodsafelearning.org.au</a>) is an education program for Australian doctors, nurses and midwives, designed to improve the safety and quality of clinical transfusion practice. Courses are interactive and include case studies, videos, and best-practice tips. Successful completion of a multiple-choice assessment provides learners with a certificate of completion. To date there are more than 400,000 registered learners, from more than 1500 organisations, who have completed more than 765,000 courses.</p><p class="Abstract">Stakeholder feedback shows that the program: provides credible, consistent education across Australia; is cost effective; reduces duplication; is ‘best-practice’ elearning that is readily accessible; allows institutions to focus on practical aspects of transfusion education; results in change to clinical practice; and supports the broader implementation of a blood management strategy in Australia.</p><p class="Abstract">User evaluation shows that the courses have a positive impact, with 89% of respondents stating they had gained additional knowledge of transfusion practice, processes and/or policy and more than 87% reporting they will make, or have made, changes to their work practices which will improve patient safety and outcomes.</p>The BloodSafe eLearning Australia program provides education to a large number of health professionals across Australia. Evaluation demonstrates that these courses provide users with a consistent and reliable knowledge base that translates into changes to practice and improved patient outcomes.</jats:p
