Gaps in safeguarding blood transfusion in Kenya: insights from a cross-sectional observational study at a secondary health facility

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate blood transfusion practices at a secondary referral Hospital in Kenya as per the World Health Organization (WHO) blood transfusion guidelines.
Design: A cross-sectional observational study.
Setting: A secondary health facility in Central Kenya.
Participants: The study involved patients undergoing blood transfusions and the health personnel involved in the transfusion process. A structured observational checklist, prepared according to the WHO guidelines on blood transfusion, was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using Advanced Microsoft Excel and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.
Results: The gynecology ward had the highest cases of blood transfusion (42, 31.3%) and the main indication for transfusion was anemia (72, 58%). The Time-lapse between ordering and receiving blood was one day while the time taken to begin the blood transfusion process after collecting the blood from the laboratory was 15 minutes. Hand hygiene and wearing of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) were practiced by 90% and 73% of health personnel, respectively. Proper disposal of unused blood was observed in 28 (54.3%) cases while transfusion-related reactions occurred in 14 (28%) of the patients, with fever as the most frequent manifestation.
Conclusion: We found noncompliance with blood transfusion guidelines that could potentially endanger the lives of patients and healthcare workers alike. Establishment and adherence to local blood transfusion guidelines together with the related standard operating procedures and offering regular continuing medical education on proper blood transfusion practices, are highly recommended at the study site.