Transforming Transfusion Safety:Insights from Implementing Bedside Electronic Checks at a Large UK NHS Trust

Background and ObjectivesBedside Electronic Transfusion Checks (BETC) enhance transfusion safety by reducing errors associated with manual processes. Despite national recommendations, BETC adoption in the UK remains limited. This study reports on the implementation of BETC at four hospitals at Barts Health NHS Trust, aiming to share insights on the implementation process.MethodsThe main implementation was split into three phases 1) Pre-pilot, 2) Pilot and 3) Main Implementation (2022 – 2025). Staff surveys on training satisfaction and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on transfusion activity were used to evaluate the uptake of BETC system. Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts were used to identify trends, variation and patterns in the data following the implementation of BETC.ResultsA total of 5,079 staff were trained and 404 personal digital assistant (PDA) devices deployed across four hospitals. Early implementation highlighted that training 60% of staff was insufficient for optimal system use, increasing this threshold to 80% improved adoption. BETC was initially more commonly used for blood administration than G&S sample labelling. Over time, increased usage of BETC for G&S labelling correlated with a marked reduction in sample rejection rates across all sites. Staff reported high satisfaction with training, with 99.5% rating it positively.ConclusionEarly adopters played a pivotal role, but achieving widespread adoption required extended training and support. Addressing technical and workflow barriers, coupled with mandatory system use, could enhance the speed of impact of BETC. These insights offer guidance for future adopters aiming to improve transfusion safety and efficiency.