The IBTS is undergoing somewhat of a transformation, there is an emphasis on innovation, agility and improving the experience of our people and our customers. In 2021, an innovation working group was established in the IBTS and in 2022 it will be progressing an action plan with a series of initiatives aimed at embedding innovation in the organisation. The action plan is very much aligned to the Public Service Innovation Strategy, and we look forward to implementing innovation initiatives and building capacity for innovation, research, and development in the IBTS. There is also a renewed focus on R&D so that the IBTS “can do its own research and development providing an Irish context on transfusion medicine,” according to Allison Waters.
The research and development strategy is underpinned by three core objectives:
1. To gain a deeper understanding into the dynamics of the donation process. Insights into the factors motivating and preventing people donating blood will drive improvements to blood collection policies, testing algorithms and clinical guidelines. 2. To future-proof the service in relation to changing technologies, blood demands and blood component usage, thereby optimally serving all transfusion and transplant recipients. Specifically, the development of novel cellular solutions to disease management requires translation from the research benches to large-scale production using good manufacturing processes. 3. To position the organisation as a key research leader in the field of transfusion medicine through participation in national and international networks, and through collaboration with clinical colleagues, international blood services and commercial partners for research endeavours and clinical trials. The effective implementation of research best-practice, a clear research governance structure and a supportive research culture has begun the creation of a positive and innovative environment for all personnel engaging in research. Over the course of 2021, the IBTS have contributed to 10 peer-reviewed publications and presented their research findings at numerous international and national conferences. The newly formed R&D department also further developed its research profile through collaboration on six different
international studies alongside international blood establishment partners. In 2021, research investment was directed to supporting public health monitoring by investigating the progression of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in healthy donors. The SARSCoV-2 antibody profile was investigated through each infectious wave and following the rollout of the vaccination programme. Furthermore, European funding supported the production high titre Covid convalescent plasma, which successfully enabled the production of plasma from Irish donors for the firsttime in over two decades. Other research focused on profiling the red cell antigens in the Irish donor population providing baseline Irish blood group data. Investigations on blood components gained insights into the mechanisms impacting the function and activation of cold-stored platelets, as well as red blood cell oxygen saturation. The focus for the immediate future is on effective research communication and building on the innovative research culture foundations laid throughout the past year. The team aims to design and launch a research, learning, and development website, targeted at clinical, scientific, and academic professionals. In addition, the IBTS will lead on a future-focused blood donation and haematology research symposium. Lastly, they will continue to build on their research publication strengths in epidemiology and component production.
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“In April 2021, the IBTS published its first-ever dedicated research and development strategy outlining the role of research in maximising the ability of blood and tissue donation to improve the health of patients,” she explains. “The organisation is committed to providing the evidence-base from which to build future improvements to its blood and tissue services. Research engagement will be supported at all levels throughout the organisation, thereby capitalising on previously untapped expertise of personnel, and clinical and academic colleagues, and ultimately positioning the IBTS as a key research leader in the field of blood donation and transfusion.”
“Research engagement will be supported at all levels throughout the organisation, thereby capitalising on previously untapped expertise of personnel, and clinical and academic colleagues, and ultimately positioning the IBTS as a key research leader in the field of blood donation and transfusion.”
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was that they would like to have an online appointment system. Our donors donate not just their blood but also their time and so it's important to us to make the donor experience as efficient as possible. We are tying this in with our sustainable objectives as we work towards a digitalised environment. We are aiming to remove the need for paper forms on our clinics by Q2 2022, donors will be able to use a tablet to complete the health and lifestyle questionnaire before progressing with their appointment. In addition, we aim to have an online appointment system available before the end of 2022, this will mean donors will be able to make appointments themselves either on their laptop or phone without the need to speak to one of our customer service agents. Of course, that option will still be available for those donors who prefer to use the telephone.
W: www.giveblood.ie
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