Massive Transfusion Protocol:  Communication Ordering Practice Survey (MTP COPS).

Area of Science:

• Trauma care
• Hemorrhage control
• Blood banking

Background:

• Massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) are critical in managing severe hemorrhage.
• Effective communication and standardized ordering are essential for MTP success.
• Current ordering practices in US level I trauma centers require evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the ordering practices for massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) in US level I trauma centers.
• To evaluate the quality of communication during MTP activation and resuscitation.
• To identify areas for improvement in MTP implementation.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous web-based survey was distributed to blood banks at US level I trauma centers.
• Data collected included demographics, use of computerized physician order entry (CPOE), and communication methods.
• Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Main Results:

• A 35.5% response rate was achieved from 43 centers.
• Verbal/telephone ordering (86.1%) was the preferred method for MTP activation, despite CPOE availability in 48.8% of centers.
• While initial MTP activation was well-communicated, 32.6% of centers reported occasional confusion regarding ongoing blood component needs.

Conclusions:

• Verbal/telephone communication remains the dominant method for MTP activation in US trauma centers.
• Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) for MTP ordering is available but less preferred.
• Addressing confusion in blood component needs during MTP resuscitation is a key opportunity for enhancing patient care and outcomes.