Abstract:
Introduction
Blood transfusion is an important aspect of healthcare that requires proper management to ensure
patient safety. Electronic Medical Records (EMR) have been introduced to enhance healthcare
delivery, but integration with blood transfusion systems is still lacking in many hospitals. This
qualitative study aimed to assess the need and requirements for integrating the Blood Transfusion
System (BTS) with the EMR-OpenClinic GA at CHUK. The Purpose of this study is to identify
the necessary functionalities, technical specifications, and operational considerations for
successful integration with designing the workflow of the process and it applications for
integration. This research intends to improve the coordination, accuracy, and efficiency of blood
transfusion processes, ultimately enhancing patient care and safety at the hospital.
Methods
This qualitative study used in-depth interviews of 30 healthcare professionals at CHUK, including
doctors, lab technicians, and IT personnel with purposive sampling method. The interviews were
conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire that explored the need and requirements for
integrating of the BTS with the EMR-OpenClinic GA. The interviews were audio-recorded,
transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically.
Results
The study found that the current blood transfusion system at CHUK faced several challenges,
including incomplete or missing documentation, inadequate tracking and tracing of blood
products, and limited communication between departments. The integration of the BTS with the
EMR-OpenClinic GA was seen as a potential solution to address these challenges. The main
requirements identified by the participants for BTS-EMR integration included real-time data entry,
traceability of blood products, integration with laboratory systems, and accessibility of patient
information.
Conclusion
The findings of this study highlight the need for integrating the BTS with the EMR-OpenClinic
GA at CHUK. The integration of these systems can address the challenges associated with the
v
current blood transfusion system, leading to improved patient safety and healthcare delivery. The
study identified key requirements for BTS-EMR integration. These findings can inform decision makers in the implementation of the BTS-EMR integration at CHUK and other healthcare
institutions
