Evaluation Tool for Assessing a Newly Implemented Massive Transfusion Protocol.

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Critical Care Medicine
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Exsanguination necessitates rapid blood product replacement and bleeding source control to prevent fatal hemorrhagic shock.
• Massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) guide healthcare teams in stabilizing bleeding patients and managing blood product administration.
• Current lack of national MTP guidelines and standardized evaluation tools hinders data collection and reporting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an original MTP evaluation tool developed for assessing a newly implemented MTP.
• To detail the application of this tool, identify encountered barriers, and propose a framework for reporting MTP evaluation data.
• To emphasize the need for a priori strategies in protocol development, documentation, and evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Development of the evidence-based Broxton MTP Evaluation Tool.
• Retrospective review of electronic medical records (EMRs) to evaluate MTP utilization.
• Analysis of barriers encountered during the EMR review process.

Main Results:

• The Broxton MTP Evaluation Tool proved effective for evaluating MTP use.
• Significant barriers were identified in EMR data collection for MTP evaluation.
• Barriers included lack of institutional oversight for MTP activation tracking, absence of a dedicated database, and no standardized EMR documentation location.

Conclusions:

• A priori strategies for implementation, documentation, and evaluation are essential when devising MTPs.
• Further research is required to establish best practices for MTP evaluation to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Standardized data collection and reporting frameworks are critical for effective MTP assessment.