ABSTRACT
Introduction
Hemotherapy is a medical specialty structured with several actions aimed at the quality of the blood component produced and the safety for both the donor and the patient, besides being directly integrated into the health care process. The first indicators for hemotherapy were created to guide the direction of the Blood Quality Program, but, in the hemotherapy scenario, we must consider not only the quality of the blood but also patient and donor safety and hemovigilance actions.
Objective
Based on the analysis of data available in the various reports and records published by the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency [Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa)], the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MH), and the General Coordination of Blood and Blood Products [Coordenação Geral de Sangue e Hemoderivados (CGSH)] in the last five years, we aimed to identify some weaknesses and risks in the transfusion process and propose the use of a tool called the indicators matrix, to prioritize indicators with a focus on transfusion safety.
Methodology
The selection of indicators was based on the creation of a prioritization matrix, using the strategic axes defined by the WHO, whose objective is to control the entire cycle of blood, including the transfusion process.
Results
The selection of indicators aims to improve the processes involved throughout the cycle of blood, and the use of the tool aims to facilitate the choice of these indicators according to the scenario of each institution, from a hemotherapy service to a transfusion agency.
Conclusion
These indicators can improve blood transfusion practices and processes, as well as optimize the manageability of each service, regardless of their complexity. Furthermore, they serve to continuously improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of hemotherapy centers.