The Transfusion Safety Officer and Nursing: The Importance of a Team Based Model for Advancing Transfusion Safety

Proposed Session Description: This educational session will explore how a structured, interprofessional partnership between the Transfusion Safety Officer (TSO) and nursing teams can significantly strengthen transfusion safety, reduce practice variability, and promote a culture of shared accountability. Because transfusion is a high-risk procedure requiring precise coordination across multiple disciplines, successful outcomes depend on robust collaboration between the individuals who oversee transfusion systems and those who deliver transfusions at the bedside.
The session will highlight a team-based model that integrates real time transfusion audits, immediate coaching, and interprofessional education to improve compliance with AABB Standards and enhance frontline confidence. Presenter will share key design elements of this collaborative approach, including aligned workflows, communication pathways, and the intentional integration of Just Culture principles.
Using case studies, audit examples, and performance improvement data, the session will demonstrate how the TSO and nursing—when working together—can identify process gaps, reinforce correct practice during active transfusions, and implement policies that are both practical and sustainable. Attendees will gain actionable strategies for establishing or expanding similar partnerships within their own institutions and for engaging clinical staff, educators, and leadership in a unified transfusion safety program.
Activities:
o Pause & Reflect Prompt: Attendees will take a brief pause to reflect individually or with neighbors on the question: “What single change in your institution would most strengthen collaboration between nursing and transfusion services?”
o Polling: To identify attendees’ experience with a coordinated team-based transfusion safety model, real-time audits with immediate bedside coaching, using data to change and improve practice
o Implementation Planning Exercise: Participants will be guided through a simple framework to identify:
 One practice they can adopt immediately
 One barrier likely to arise
 One stakeholder needed for success