Quality Improvement in a small‐scale Caribbean Blood Bank: the value of long‐term collaboration and stepwise process approach

Abstract

BackgroundCompliance with accepted quality standards guarantees safe and effective blood transfusion in patients. Introduction of well‐defined quality systems in the Caribbean has however remained a big challenge.MethodsThe Red Cross Blood Bank Foundation on the island of Curaçao selected the EU GMP/GPG standards as the national blood programme quality standard. A stepwise quality improvement programme was designed in collaboration with Sanquin Consulting Services. The external audit results were used for formulating a yearly quality improvement plan. The main challenges and key success factors of the progress made over a 10‐year span are presented according to WHO key blood quality elements.ResultsThe quality improvement programme showed the importance of legislation based on a voluntary non‐remunerated blood donor programme. A clearly defined national blood bank organizational structure with appropriate job descriptions, required competencies and appointment at the start of a dedicated quality manager were key basic elements. The focus of the yearly audits varied from technical issues, progress evaluation to emerging infectious diseases with special attention for the small‐scale blood bank environment. Use of EuBIS documents greatly facilitated the required GAP analyses. Introduction of automatization for TTI testing and PRT strongly improved the provision of safe blood products. Effective communication and collaboration should be included as key elements for a safe national blood programme.ConclusionMaking use of a stepwise quality improvement programme, based on collaboration, compliance with international quality standards, provision of sufficient safe blood on the island of Curaçao, could be achieved in a sustainable manner.