The Emerging Dutch Hemovigilance System: Voluntary and State‐of‐the‐Art

Abstract

SUMMARyIn 1996 the Dutch Inspectorate of Health enquired whether a national surveillance system for hemovigilance could be developed for the Netherlands. This request was inspired by the Untied Kingdom's initiative to install a reporting system for serious hazards of transfusion (SHOT).An independent foundation named TRIP (Transfusion Reactions in Patients) was established, owned by the professional medical societies engaged in blood transfusion. TRIP was formally launched at the 5th European Hemovigilance Seminar in Amsterdam on February 6–7, 2003.The TRIP office has the aim to anonymously collate, register, analyze and report on the safety of blood transfusion. In addition, TRIP aims to enhance the safety of blood transfusion by educational programs on blood transfusion safety.The TRIP program closely resembles the British SHOT system, in being a voluntary system supporting professionals and in its focus on serious adverse events. It is recognized that underreporting may exist, but it is felt that in The Netherlands a voluntary system would be more productive than a compulsory system.TRIP holds the view that the correct and optimal use of blood is as important for blood transfusion safety as is the prevention of adverse events. In the future, it is envisaged that TRIP will participate in the education of nurses, doctors and technicians in blood transfusion safety.