Appropriateness of fresh-frozen plasma usage in hospital settings: a meta-analysis of the impact of organizational interventions

Transfusion. 2010 Jan;50(1):139-44. doi: 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2009.02371.x. Epub 2009 Aug 31.

Abstract

Background: Transfusions of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) are a worldwide ever-growing practice. The most advanced health care organizations, to guarantee high-quality standards of interventions and safe procedures, should disseminate scientific evidence for promoting the appropriateness of transfusions and reducing avoidable risks.

Study design and methods: We carried out a systematic review of scientific literature searching for studies focused on the implementation of different strategy of organizational interventions aimed at improving clinicians' practice.

Results: Of 915 studies, 10 articles were included in our meta-analysis of risk of inappropriate transfusion after the implementation of an organizational intervention. The risk ratio of inappropriate transfusions before organizational interventions was 2.02 (95% confidence interval, 1.44-2.84) compared with after interventions.

Conclusion: The organizational interventions showed a positive impact on the reduction of rates of inappropriate FFP transfusion episodes.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Banks / standards
  • Blood Banks / statistics & numerical data*
  • Blood Component Transfusion / adverse effects*
  • Blood Component Transfusion / standards
  • Blood Component Transfusion / statistics & numerical data*
  • Hospitals / standards
  • Hospitals / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Plasma*
  • Quality of Health Care
  • Risk Factors