Performance of Lower Level Blood Banks in Masaka Region.

Abstract

MUTEBI AYUB (2009-M122-20011) Performance of Lower Level Blood Banks in Masaka Region The study was carried out to evaluate the performance of lower blood banks; and in this, it specifically looked at Masaka region as a case study. The over roll goal of this study will be to contribute to the reduction of mortality resulting from lack of adequate blood transfusion services where by the research will be able to provide information that will be used to design appropriate interventions to improve delivery of blood transfusion services. The study was carried out from 6 health facilities, these included: Vila Maria hospital, Byansi clinic, Rakai hospital, Kalisizo hospital, Kyotera medical centre, and Baamu hospital. It will be noted that: though the scope of the study was Masaka region, some of the districts like Kalangala and Lyantonde were not having regular transfusion services, and so, they were not considered. The main participants in the study were the laboratory personnel, clinicians, nurses and health facility managers. The study units were the hospital laboratories, where blood was being kept (lower blood banks). The objectives that guided the study were: to assess the availability of human resources and infrastructure in lower level blood banks, determine compliance of the lower blood banks with UBTS accreditation standards and to grade the performance of different blood banks in Masaka region. The study was predominately qualitative in nature though quantitative approaches were also employed. The instruments of data collection included mainly focus group discussion (FGD) guide, check lists and questionnaires. The research findings revealed that the performance of lower blood banks was good despite the fact that blood supplies were inadequate in these lower blood banks. Key missing gaps were identified in presence of SOP, quality guidelines and gaps in training. The study also revealed significant gaps in support supervision. Major recommendations were on the enhancement of blood transfusion management in the region and involvement of the user health facilities especially, in the area of blood donor mobilisation/ recruitment. Key Words: Performance, Lower Level, Blood Banks, Masaka Region.