The supply of blood in fragile times - A comparison of international approaches based on interviews and literature study

Background

Due to its important role in treatment, it is particularly important to ensure the availability of blood in emergency care. However, shortages of blood products becomes increasingly common even in normal times. In exceptional situations (e.g. alliance/defence emergencies), an acute and sharp increase in demand for blood (products) can be expected. At present, only isolated and mostly uncoordinated concepts among the actors in Germany for securing the blood supply in special situations exist.

Methods

A research project funded by the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Management (BBK) aims to develop a concept for ensuring the supply of blood and blood products in the event of an alliance or defence situation in coordination with the blood donation services. The results presented here are based on an intensive literature search in relevant journals and databases (Pubmed, Ebsco, etc.) as well as on interviews with authorities of the producing companies and public administration in Germany and other countries.

Results

The literature review did not identify any policies that address coping strategies of blood and blood product shortages in alliance and defence situations. It was possible to identify instructions for action that deal with blood shortages in disasters. From international measures, plans and the armed forces, measures can be derived that seem worth to be included into a German concept discussion – (including legal aspects). These cover clear structures, contact persons and information channels. In addition, there should be continuous planning, exercises, and close cooperation with the authorities and responsible actors at federal and state level. Direct link of IT systems of hospitals and blood transfusion services will be essential.

Conclusion

Product-specific characteristics such as short shelf-life and storage requirements (e.g. plasma -40°) do not allow large stocks and blood transfusion services depend on an existing infrastructure at all stages of production, storage and distribution. There is no coordinated approach to cope blood shortages yet. Staff for the service might be on duty for other healthcare issues. It is therefore essential to develop solutions among all steps of the supply chain – including international actors.

Offenlegung Interessenkonflikt:

KEINE

Invited talks abstract/summary