Appropriateness of fresh-frozen plasma usage in hospital settings: a meta-analysis of the impact of organizational interventions

BACKGROUND: Transfusions of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) are a worldwide ever-growing practice. The most advanced health care organizations, to guarantee high-quality standards of interventions and safe procedures, should disseminate scientific evidence for promoting the appropriateness of transfusions and reducing avoidable risks. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We carried out a systematic review of scientific literature searching for studies focused on the implementation of different strategy of organizational interventions aimed at improving clinicians' practice. RESULTS: Of 915 studies, 10 articles were included in our meta-analysis of risk of inappropriate transfusion after the implementation of an organizational intervention. The risk ratio of inappropriate transfusions before organizational interventions was 2.02 (95% confidence interval, 1.44-2.84) compared with after interventions. CONCLUSION: The organizational interventions showed a positive impact on the reduction of rates of inappropriate FFP transfusion episodes.