Blood transfusion competency training

Using this training

Please download the documents from the downloads window, right.

Introduction

Blood transfusion is a complex multi-step process involving personnel from diverse backgrounds with different levels of knowledge and understanding. In order to properly and safely accomplish their role in transfusion each individual needs to be trained to the appropriate level. This will very according to the particular task they need to perform as part of the process. Regardless of professional background the essential common element remains correct patient identification (ID) at every stage.

A requirement of compliance with the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005¹, which became UK law on 8th February 2005 is that all staff receive formal, documented training in blood transfusion practice for distribution and traceability of blood and blood components and in Adverse Event Reporting.

The information in these competencies has been formally risk assessed against the competencies developed by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) within their Safer practice Notice (14) Right Patient, Right Blood² which states:

"Formal assessment of the relevant competencies is required for nurses, midwives, medical staff, phlebotomists, healthcare, assistants, porters, operating department practitioners and other staff involved in blood transfusion process."

The risk assessment confirms that these materials are fit for the purpose as stated above. Further information can be obtained from:

Diana Agacy-Cowell
Specialist Practitioner of Transfusion
023 80 798910 Bleep 2463
Diana.agacy-cowell@suht.swest.nhs.uk|

The appropriate knowledge and understanding required to underpin these competencies can be found in:

• SUHT Blood Transfusion Policy
• Trust Infection Control Policy
• NMC Code of Professional Conduct
• GMC Good Medical Practice

Additional References

1. The Blood safety and Quality Regulations 2005 SI 2005/50
2. National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) Safer Practice Notice, Right Patient, Right Blood. http://www.npsa.nhs.uk/health/display?contentld=5298
3. NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) October 2004
4. British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH). The administration of blood and blood components and the management of transfused patients. Transfusion Medicine, 1999, 9, 227-238
5. http://www.transfusionguidelines.com/

Disclaimer

The competency assessment is designed for use and deemed fit for purpose in its current format. The authors are not responsible for any subsequent local modifications.
When using the competency assessment package it is the responsibility of the assessor to ensure that the documents are current and in date.
The authors are not responsible for use of the training package or competency assessments by unauthorised persons.
The record of competency relates to performance at the time of assessment and does not guarantee future performance.

Learning Log

Blood Transfusion competency is linked to the Individual Learning Log. Once a member of staff has been deemed competent a record of the evidence of competence must be entered into the Individual Learning Log (see Downloads box, right) and reviewed at their annual appraisal or development review (for medical staff the appropriate process for their grade).