National Transfusion Dataset

The Challenge

One in 3 Australians will need a blood transfusion some time in their life, according to Monash University. In supporting research to improve the quality of life of those living with blood disorders, Monash created the Massive Transfusion Registry (MTR), which captures massive transfusion data across all clinical contexts from 25 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand.

There is a need to expand the Registry to capture not just massive transfusions, but all transfusions in all settings, including pre-hospital, in hospital and in the community.

The Response

This project will expand the data coverage of Monash University’s MTR and create a comprehensive data asset of transfusion practice linked with laboratory data and clinical outcomes.

The National Transfusion Dataset will describe numbers and characteristics of patients transfused prehospital (for example, by ambulance/retrieval services), in hospital, or in the community, the reasons for, and outcomes of transfusion. This data asset will include data on all (not just massive) transfusions.

Linking the National Transfusion Dataset with clinical registry data will show how and why blood products are used and the clinical outcomes of transfused patients.

Who Will Benefit

Government agencies, researchers, research organisations, clinicians and healthcare agencies will benefit from a common ‘front door’ providing coordinated access to transfusion datasets managed by partner organisations. The adoption of common standards and workflows will increase the quality and interoperability of the available data.

The Partners

Our partners are:

• Monash University
• Ambulance Victoria
• Blood Synergy
• Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry
• Lymphoma and Related Diseases Registry
• Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society
• Pre-hospital Emergency Care Australia and New Zealand
• Aplastic Anaemia and Other Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes Registry.

Target Outcomes

This project will streamline access to a comprehensive national dataset of transfusion practice and create new research opportunities to inform national transfusion policy and practice, improving blood utilisation and patient management outcomes.