Activities of the Ishikawa Prefectural Joint Committee of Blood Transfusion Therapy / 社会薬学

ABSTRACT

Objective: In 2011, the Ishikawa Prefectural Joint Committee of Blood Transfusion Therapy was organized in Ishikawa Prefecture. Since 2012, pharmacists have promoted educational activities regarding the appropriate use of albumin products for different occupations based on a survey involving all medical institutions in Ishikawa Prefecture. We examined the effects of these activities with respect to the usage of albumin products. Methods: A questionnaire survey regarding blood transfusion therapy, including the total usage of albumin products, departments responsible for the management of albumin products, and health care professionals’ awareness of issues on the appropriate use of albumin products, was conducted from 2011 until 2014 involving all medical institutions where blood transfusion preparations were used in Ishikawa Prefecture. Results: The questionnaire collection rate was ≥70%. The results showed that, in middle- or small-scale medical institutions, departments/physicians other than the Department of Pharmacy were responsible for the management of albumin products. Furthermore, some health care professionals did not recognize/understand problems regarding the appropriate use of albumin products. Pharmacists newly increased educational activities by study meetings for various occupations or panel discussions involving participants. The participants’ occupations varied, and the number of institutions to which they belonged was 20 to 24. The total usage of albumin products in Ishikawa Prefecture decreased by approximately 20% between 2011, when these attempts were started, and 2014. Discussion: This study suggests that the educational activities by pharmacists and other health care professionals at the prefectural level reduced the total usage of albumin products.