An evaluation of adult critical result policies in haematology in a teaching hospital in China.

Background: Critical result (CR) reporting is one of the core policies in China, yet it varies in different hospitals. In addition, few reports of the evaluation of CR policies have been published. This study aimed to evaluate the adult CR policies for haematology in a teaching hospital.

Methods: The consistency was compared between CR policies in a tertiary hospital in China and the current standards, consensuses and literature. The incidences for the alert thresholds of white blood cells (WBC), haemoglobin (HgB), and platelets (PLT) and the turn-around time (TAT) for different phases of CR reporting in 2017 were investigated. On-site observation of the staff was used to assess CR implementation and compliance with CR policies.

Results: The clauses of adult CR policies in haematology were consistent with the requirements in the standards, consensuses and literature, and the CR items and alert thresholds were within the range reported in the literature. CRs in haematology were dominated by lower thresholds. The incidences of alerts due to WBC, HgB, and PLT levels were 37.5, 18.0 and 37.0 times/day, respectively. A total of 150 cases of CR implementation were observed on-site, and the procedures followed by the staff were consistent with the requirements of the polices. The TAT medians for CR verification in the outpatient, emergency and inpatient departments were ≤6 min.

Conclusions: The consistency and implementation of CR policies were both good, which ensures patient safety.