Korina Katsaliaki1. 1. Business School, Middlesex University, London NW4 4BT, UK. k.katsaliaki@mdx.ac.uk
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to recommend alternative policies, which are tested on a computer simulation model, towards a more cost-effective management of the blood supply chain in the UK. METHODS: With the use of primary and secondary data from the National Blood Service (NBS) and the supplied hospitals, statistical analysis is conducted and a detailed discrete event simulation model of a vertical part of the UK supply chain of blood products is developed to test and identify good ordering, inventory and distribution practices. RESULTS: Fewer outdates, group substitutions, shortages and deliveries could be achieved by blood banks: holding stock of rare blood groups of red blood cells (RBC), having a second routine delivery per weekday, exercising a more insensitive ordering point for RBC, reducing the total crossmatch release period to less than 1.5 days, increasing the transfusion-to-crossmatch ratio to 70%, adhering to an age-based issuing of orders, holding RBC stock of a weighted average of approximately 4 days. CONCLUSIONS: The blood supply simulation model can offer useful pieces of advice to the stakeholders of the examined system which leads to cost reductions and increased safety. Moreover, it provides a great range of experimental capabilities in a risk-free environment.
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to recommend alternative policies, which are tested on a computer simulation model, towards a more cost-effective management of the blood supply chain in the UK. METHODS: With the use of primary and secondary data from the National Blood Service (NBS) and the supplied hospitals, statistical analysis is conducted and a detailed discrete event simulation model of a vertical part of the UK supply chain of blood products is developed to test and identify good ordering, inventory and distribution practices. RESULTS: Fewer outdates, group substitutions, shortages and deliveries could be achieved by blood banks: holding stock of rare blood groups of red blood cells (RBC), having a second routine delivery per weekday, exercising a more insensitive ordering point for RBC, reducing the total crossmatch release period to less than 1.5 days, increasing the transfusion-to-crossmatch ratio to 70%, adhering to an age-based issuing of orders, holding RBC stock of a weighted average of approximately 4 days. CONCLUSIONS: The blood supply simulation model can offer useful pieces of advice to the stakeholders of the examined system which leads to cost reductions and increased safety. Moreover, it provides a great range of experimental capabilities in a risk-free environment.
Authors: Zia Sadique; Sarah Willis; Kaat De Corte; Mark Pennington; Carmel Moore; Stephen Kaptoge; Emanuele Di Angelantonio; Gail Miflin; David J Roberts; Richard Grieve Journal: PLoS One Date: 2022-08-17 Impact factor: 3.752
Authors: Wilhellmuss I Mauka; Tara B Mtuy; Michael J Mahande; Sia E Msuya; Innocent B Mboya; Abdul Juma; Rune N Philemon Journal: PLoS One Date: 2018-05-17 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: S Willis; K De Corte; J A Cairns; M Zia Sadique; N Hawkins; M Pennington; G Cho; D J Roberts; G Miflin; R Grieve Journal: Transfus Med Date: 2018-05-16 Impact factor: 2.019