Informing the State of Process Modeling and Automation of Blood Banking and Transfusion Services Through a Systematic...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Informatics
• Process Engineering
• Blood Transfusion Services

Background:

• Current process modeling in blood banking and transfusion services lacks a strong foundation.
• Methodological reviews are needed to connect existing models with automation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a methodological review of process modeling and automation in blood banking and transfusion.
• To identify gaps in current research and provide a basis for future development.

Main Methods:

• Systematic mapping study based on five research questions.
• Inclusion criteria focused on blood banking/transfusion process modeling (since late 1970s) and automation via workflow systems.
• Analysis of 22 identified research studies published between 1979 and 2022.

Main Results:

• Only four process modeling languages were identified for visualizing workflows.
• Key processes like component preparation, serologic testing, and safety maintenance remain unmodeled.
• Lack of Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) adoption and insufficient detail in modeled processes were observed.
• Automation shows potential for enhancing transfusion safety and reducing costs and errors.

Conclusions:

• There is a lack of a comprehensive process architectural framework for blood banking and transfusion.
• Developing such a framework is crucial for modeling strategic, managerial, and operational processes.
• This research lays the groundwork for a data-harvesting platform for blood banking and transfusion services.