Analysis of Management Information System in Blood Transfusion Services, Pakistan

Background: Systems reforms are being implemented in the blood transfusion system in Pakistan through the Safe Blood Transfusion Programme. One of the key elements of these reforms is the installation of a synchronized computer based management information system. Currently the blood transfusion sector lack efficient tools for information and knowledge management, and process automation. The exchange of information is not possible among blood centres as they are not consistently regulated under the existing legislation, as the weak operational structure of Blood Transfusion Authorities (BTA) limited their outreach into the system. The present study was conducted to prepare a comparative analysis of the existing information systems in the Pakistani blood banks with the international systems and to explore the possibility whether integration of individual systems is possible. Methods: Both quantitative and qualitative tools were applied to achieve the study objective, i.e. comparison of functional capabilities of existing MIS for BT with minimum required standards necessary for supporting safe blood transfusion process. An analysis of six healthcare organizations providing blood transfusion services was done in Islamabad (federal capital) and Lahore (capital of Punjab Province). Results: The study showed that only few blood transfusion establishments use some basic electronic information system, but these electronic information systems do not fully comply with the standards for safe blood transfusion and good automated manufacturing practice (GAMP). None of the establishments have a look back system implemented or any systematic approach of reporting critical aspects of their daily operations. Information reporting is irregular, incomplete and results are not reliable. The study visualized the data sets generated through a mapping exercise, proposed the horizontal and vertical boundaries of the system and possible links with other actors and their data bases. Conclusion: Need for better information support was identified and two major information components were proposed which are Blood Transfusion Information System (to support routine processes of the Blood Transfusion Establishments), and Management Information System (to support management and decision making processes). There is also a need to support the establishment of surveillance and vigilance system and strengthen the “routine” data and information management systems.