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How to maintain blood supply during computer network breakdown: a manual backup system
T Zeiler1, J Slonka, H R Bürgi
1Department of Transfusion Medicine and Haemostaseology, University Clinics Marburg, Germany.
Transfusion Medicine (Oxford, England)
|December 21, 2000
Summary
A manual backup system (MBS) ensures blood product delivery during network failures in hospital transfusion services. This simple, safe system maintains critical operations and result reporting despite computer network breakdowns.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Laboratory Medicine
- Blood Transfusion Services
Background:
- Electronic data management systems are vital in laboratories and transfusion services.
- Network failures can disrupt critical functions, impacting patient care.
- A robust backup solution is essential for uninterrupted service.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a manual backup system (MBS) for hospital transfusion services.
- To ensure continuous blood product delivery during computer network breakdowns.
- To maintain laboratory result reporting in adverse IT conditions.
Main Methods:
- Implemented a time-graded manual backup system (MBS) utilizing special worksheets.
- Utilized a stand-alone, read-only SQL database for off-line data access.
- Photocopied patient data and requests for manual processing and reporting.
- Re-entered off-line data into the primary SQL server upon network restoration.
Main Results:
- The MBS successfully maintained blood product delivery and result reporting during network outages.
- No delays in issuing blood products or reporting laboratory results were observed.
- The system proved simple, quick, and safe for urgent blood supply continuity.
Conclusions:
- The manual backup system effectively mitigates risks associated with network failures in transfusion services.
- This approach ensures patient safety and operational continuity.
- The MBS is a reliable solution for maintaining critical laboratory and transfusion functions.