Transfusion Performance Benchmarking

In relation to the recommendation on standardising and benchmarking, a review of current benchmarking practices and associated data collection and ongoing intelligence and analysis requirements, including model health dashboard and national clinical audit, has been initiated. This will be followed by the development of new benchmarking categories and funding will be required to expand the model health dashboard.

A proposal has been submitted to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in December 2024 with a request to update guidance. Work is underway with CQC to incorporate standards within the relevant framework.

In respect of Recommendation 7(a)(iii) - that consideration be given to standardising and benchmarking transfusion performance between hospitals in order to deliver better patient blood management - Lorna noted that the OAG had previously agreed to meet this recommendation via the letter issued by the previous OAG Chair, Christine McLaughlin, in November 2024, asking Boards to confirm that they were using the existing SNBTS clinical transfusion dashboard. All Boards have responded to this letter to confirm that they were using the dashboard. Lorna advised that a UK-wide benchmarking group had been set up and the devolved administrations had been invited to attend.