THE TRANSFUSION AUDIT AS AN EDUCATIONAL-TOOL

Audits of transfusion used as educational tools can improve transfusio n practices. Effective audits must first identify problem(s) in transf usion practice and must then include as educational target, the attend ing physician. Educational methods that have been shown to he effectiv e include: (1) meeting briefly one-on-one with physicians, (2) teachin g at scheduled conferences, (3) making daily clinical rounds on patien ts who receive transfusion, (4) concurrent review of orders for transf usion prior to issue of the blood product and (5) installing algorithm s and guidelines in the operating room. Transfusion practices improved with these educational audit methods. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.