A generic blood banking and transfusion process-oriented architecture for virtual organizations.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Systems Engineering
• Process Management
• Information Systems

Background:

• Blood banks are critical healthcare components with complex, interrelated processes.
• Current lack of a comprehensive blueprint for Blood Banking and Transfusion (BB&T) processes hinders optimal operation.
• Ensuring high-quality blood components, safe preservation, and timely transfusion is paramount.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a comprehensive process architecture for Blood Banking and Transfusion (BB&T) operations.
• To create a blueprint for virtual BB&T organizations and improve strategic planning.
• To provide a reference model for evaluating and improving existing BB&T processes.

Main Methods:

• Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) process adapted for artifact creation.
• Iterative development of a BB&T process architecture (BB&TPA) through four increments.
• Validation of the BB&TPA at a reference hospital.

Main Results:

• A Riva-based process architecture diagram (BB&TPA) was successfully developed.
• The BB&TPA serves as a novel reference model for virtual BB&T organizations.
• The architecture facilitates gap analysis, information system development, and accreditation inspections.

Conclusions:

• The developed BB&TPA provides a foundational blueprint for BB&T operations.
• This architecture enhances quality, strategic planning, and operational efficiency in blood banking.
• The model is applicable for evaluating real-world BB&T units and guiding system development.