The programme is based around the key issues that will challenge hospitals and the Blood Services in 2008 and beyond in respect of blood inventory management. The perennial favourites of the BSMS annual review and a Question and Answer session will remain.

Download the programme now and read on for more about the meeting.

Plenarys

There will be three plenary presentations:-

1. The use of RFID in the transfusion setting.  Ian Henderson will give a presentation on the use of RFID and some of the developments that are taking place in relation to RFID and blood transfusion.      
2. Data transparency - removing data anonymity.  This presentation will give information on the de-anonymisation pilots that have taken place.  The presentation will be followed by an opportunity for hospitals to have a say in whether or not the Scheme should move to de-anonymisation
3. BSMS data 2007/08.  Judith Chapman will present data from the Scheme and developments and issues for the BSMS during the past year.

Workshops

There will be two workshop sessions and three workshop topics.  The workshop topics and discussion points are:

Workshop A - Replenishment model

The replenishment model is based on predictable demand and a regular delivery schedule.  It could possibly lead to higher stock holding in hospitals.

• How would a policy such as this affect my hospital?
• How would my hospital feel about the possibility of holding higher stock levels?
• Is there evidence to support the view that holding higher stock levels could lead to higher wastage?
• is this a model which is suitable for all hospitals?
• Is it appropriate for the NBS to view my stock figures?

Workshop B - New ordering systems

Electronic ordering is used extensively in the external environment but not yet in the NBS.  Electronic ordering is a possiblity for the future but there are difficulties to ovevercome not least the different IT systems in use in hospitals.

• Is it time for electronic ordering?  If so what system/s should be used?
• How can I be sure such as system would be robust?
• How can any changes be implemented?
• Could an "order up to" policy be used?

Workshop C - The laboratory/clinical interface

Blood ordering and inventory management can be influenced by clinician demand patterns.  Hospitals may have  tips to share on how to modify inappropriate practice.

• How does clinician ordering practice affect blood inventory management in my hospital?
• How can the blood transfusion laboratory influence clinical ordering patterns particularly for platelets?
• How can the blood transfusion laboratory influence the use of group O Neg?