In order to fulfill its mandate, ORBCoN engaged in a strategic planning exercise which identified goals and key activities to achieve these goals. Some of the key activities that will be carried out by ORBCoN include:

Goal #1 – Promote and Support Utilization Improvement Activities

IVIG Audit: In the Fall of 2007, a provincial baseline audit process consisted of collecting data from top users of IVIg.  For results and Ontario guidelines for IVIG use go to Intravenous Immune Globulin Utilization.

Central Utilization database: ORBCoN partnered with McMaster Transfusion Research Program (MTRP) to develop graphs providing provincial and regional trending for blood components in Ontario.  Provincial benchmarks for outdating of red cells were also calculated. Utilization Graphs

FP Audit: In September 2008, a provincial audit on frozen plasma use in Ontario was done.  A web-based audit tool was created to facilitate this.  Ontario hospitals can use this tool to perform audits at their own facility.  Final Report

Cost of transfusion in Ontario: A poster was created to increase awareness aroudn the cost of a red cell transfusion. Blood Costs...more than you think!

Goal #2 – Increase Patient Safety through Education, Standardized Best Practices and Surveillance

Educational Events: A keypart of the mandate of ORBCON is working within each region, and in partnerships with other groups such as Canadian Blood Services and the Ontario Transfusion Nurse Coordinators (ONTraC), to develop and to host regular educational events. Upcoming Events

Patient e-learning course and pamphlet: An online course was created for patients to provide learning about blood transfusion.  Interactive Blood Course for patients  A companion pamphlet “Blood Transfusion: A patient’s perspective” is available free to Ontario hospitals in both English and French.

E-learning course for Nurses: Developed by a transfusion safety nurse, this two module course provides basic learning on blood transfusion.  It is available online and also by CD to Ontario hospitals.  A companion handbook is planned for release in 2010. Bloody Easy for Nurses Online Course 

Competency Assessment Tests for Laboratory Technologists:  A set of web based quizzes available to Ontario MLT to help assess theoretical knowledge of Transfusion Medicine.  Technologists are registered through their site administrator (Lab Manager or supervisor). Assessment Live Online Course 

Bedside Audit:  A provincial audit of blood administration and informed consent is under development with planned launch in 2010.

Transfusion Committee Tool Kit: Recognized to be a critical part of improving transfusion practice in hospitals, ORBCoN, with the Ontario Blood Coordinating Programs Office, (BCPO) holds an annual forum for Transfusion Committee Chair persons.  A toolkit was developed for the first annual event. Transfusion Committee Resource Section

Goal #3 – Promote and Support Best Practices in Inventory Management

Inventory Management toolkit:  A toolkit was developed to provide some best practice tips as well as provide calculators to determine optimal levels of inventory. Inventory Management Resource Section

Ontario Benchmarks for Red cell outdating:  Work is in progress to develop similar benchmarks for platelet outdating.

Red cell redistribution:  A program was developed to aid hospitals in redistributing near to outdating red cell components to decrease rates of red cell discards.  Generic procedures and a training package are available. Red Cell Redistribution

Ontario Contingency Plan for Management of Blood Shortages:  ORBCoN worked with the Provincial working group to develop the Provincial plan to manage blood shortages as well as a toolkit to help hospitals develop their own site specific plans.  A simulation exercise is currently being planned for the Spring of 2010. Transfusion Medicine Contingency Planning Blood Shortages

Goal #4 – Provide and receive timely and relevant information to/from hospital stakeholders

www.transfusionontario.org: This member section of the website provides updates on many resources and activities for healthcare professionals in Ontario.  Member Registration

Bi-annual Newsletter: Provides up to date information on transfusion practice and patient safety to transfusion professionals in Ontario. 'ORBCoN Report'

Hospital Site Visits:  Partnering with Canadian Blood Services Regional Hospital Liaison Specialists (HLS), ORBCoN visit or teleconference with each hospital in Ontario that has a licensed transfusion service to keep up to date with issues and provide information.

Annual Survey:  Each year, ORBCoN surveys healthcare professionals working in blood transfusion in Ontario. ORBCoN Surveys

Issue Specific Working Groups: Provincial working groups have been struck to provide support to hospitals implementing new initiatives such as the Canadian Blood Services production method change to Buffy Coat and new labeling protocol of ISBT 128. Transfusion Ontario Resource Centre

To receive more information on these or any other projects the ORBCoN group is working on please go to the members section and enter your username and password. If you do not have a user name and password, please sign up and become a member.