Quick Links Next Objective Transfusion/Coagulation Rotation

Practice-based Learning and Improvement

1. Objectives:
   1. What constitutes practice-based learning and improvement (e.g. the application of the medical literature, research and statistical methods, and data management technology for self-evaluation and improvement) on this rotation?
      • Trainees are expected to:
        • Formulate quality assurance monitors for blood bank on monthly basis
        • Apply knowledge of study design and appropriate statistical methods to the appraisal of clinical studies and other information on diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness, both in current medical literature and in practice.
        • Demonstrate awareness of the variety of pathology practice settings
        • Demonstrate the ability to effectively utilize library, web-based, and other educational sources
        • Use information technology and other methods to support monitoring of patient laboratory testing and enhancing clinician education in appropriate and cost-effective utilization of testing for patient management
2. Plan:
   1. How does the resident achieve the objectives of practice-based learning and improvement?
      • Residents are instructed in the unique safety features of the computer in the blood bank, with emphasis on the cGMP environment and a discussion of the electronic crossmatch.
      • Residents have a chance to see software at the blood donor center that was developed in-house and is now FDA-approved and marketed to other centers.
      • Residents are routinely involved in follow-up of patient status for component recalls and lookbacks and may be involved in utilization review as well.
      • Residents are evaluating patients for bleeding and clotting disorders by chart and patient evaluation, interaction with clinicians and advise appropriate component therapy and testing.
   2. How is practice-based learning and improvement incorporated into the resident’s service work?
      • Residents spend one week of the rotation at the blood donor center and one day in a HLA typing laboratory; the rest of the time is on the hospital transfusion service.
      • Residents participate in at least one blood drive.
      • They sign out coagulation reports
   3. What informal exercises, formal conferences (e.g. journal clubs, peer review conferences), and lectures exist on this rotation to facilitate practice-based learning and improvement?
      • Residents participate in a biweekly Transfusion Medicine journal club including presentation of a recent peer-reviewed journal article.
      • Resident presents at least one case/topic at coagulation conference
3. Assessment:
   1. How are the resident’s practice-based learning and improvement assessed and by whom?
      • Resident’s/fellow’s  practice-based learning and improvement are assessed by observation of participation, interaction and knowledge-base in daily rounds, conferences and other informal teaching settings.