AIM software is the first national donor-to-blood recipient tracking system; helps hospitals avoid unnecessary transfusions potentially saving significant healthcare dollars annually
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hospitals will be able to carefully track their use of blood products in patients, manage their inventory and compare blood use protocols against best practices through a new inventory management system being made available to the 75 independent blood centers that are members of America’s Blood Centers.
Appropriate Inventory Management (AIM) tracks blood utilization and provides patient outcome analyses through vein-to-vein monitoring of the blood products by both the hospital and the blood center. The software system was piloted by 16 America’s Blood Centers’ members in more than 340 U.S. hospitals and is based on European systems that have seen significant reductions in the number of units of blood used by hospitals.
AIM has the first and only national database of information that will allow blood centers to provide hospitals with individualized laboratory, donor and patient data; as well as local, regional and national data for benchmarking against best practices. Hospitals will be able to better manage their blood inventory and reduce waste, as well as comply with new standards mandated by the Joint Commission. AIM is made available to hospitals only through participating America’s Blood Centers’ members.
“The overriding benefit to hospitals will be having data that identifies the transfusion protocols that result in the best outcomes in patients, which is what we all strive for,” said America’s Blood Centers’ Chief Executive Officer Jim MacPherson. “At the same time, hospitals today are examining every line item in their budgets, and will welcome the cost savings that have been projected through the use of AIM, as experienced in Europe.”
“Our very early experience with AIM would indicate the reductions seen in Europe can be accomplished here,” said Dr. Patricia Fenderson, Medical Director for Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth. “We all benefit when we have the information that guides best practices. However, the ultimate beneficiary here is the patient.”
AIM provides information on the availability of specific blood products, the inventory the hospital is carrying, unused or outdated units, and monitors the appropriateness of a blood transfusion. Outcomes and adverse events associated with the use of the various blood products are tracked. For example, the system can automatically monitor for transfusion associated infections or patient reactions.
Information for obtaining the AIM system is available through America’s Blood Centers’ members.
About America’s Blood Centers
Founded in 1962, America’s Blood Centers is North America’s largest alliance of community-based, independent blood programs. Recognized by the U.S. Congress for its critical work in patient care, service to the US military, and disaster preparedness and response, the federation operates more than 600 blood donor centers, providing nearly half of the U.S. and a quarter of the Canadian blood supply.
These blood centers serve more than 180 million people and provide blood products and services to more than 3,500 hospitals and healthcare facilities across North America. America’s Blood Centers’ U.S. members are licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Canadian members are regulated by Health Canada.
CONTACT:
America’s Blood Centers
Mack Benton, (202) 654-2915
[email protected]
KEYWORDS: United States North America District of Columbia
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Technology Data Management Software Health Hospitals Public Policy/Government Other Policy Issues Public Policy Medical Supplies General Health
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