In addition, we have run Major Haemorrhage simulation sessions in Endoscopy at Conquest and Urology at EDGH which were well received by staff. The Endoscopy simulation was filmed for learning purposes and made available as a YouTube video. We also presented the film at the South-East Region Transfusion Committee ‘Transfusion Bites’ event last November which impressed Transfusion Practitioners from multiple hospitals around the SE. If you would like to take part in simulation, please let one of us know, it is a useful learning tool which is underutilised for transfusion currently, something we wish to address. Need one of the team’s contact details or information regarding a transfusion policy? These are now available in one place on our resource page on the intranet. Insert link Our Blood and Blood Components Transfusion Policy, Clinical Guideline for the Management of Massive Blood Loss and Clinical Guideline for the Management of Patients who Decline Blood and Blood Components have recently been updated. One of the key changes is the addition of the TACO assessment following a National Patient Safety Alert last year. Transfusion Associated Circulatory Overload is one of the most common causes of transfusion-related deaths with incidents increasing annually. It is defined as an acute or worsening respiratory compromise or pulmonary oedema during or up to 12 hours after transfusion. TACO deaths are preventable, it is therefore essential to assess the risk prior to transfusion. The TACO checklist is embedded into ICCA for your convenience.
To reduce the risk simple measures can be taken: use alternative treatments where possible, reassess Hb after each unit to determine if Hb target has been achieved, consider weight adjusted red cell dosing for patients of low body weight, avoid rapid transfusion, administer diuretic when appropriate and monitor obs closely. If any incidents of TACO occur please let us know and complete a Datix, it must be reported nationally.
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