Highlighting the 19th Annual ORBCoN/ CBS Transfusion Medicine Educational Symposium and Workshop

Valérie Rhéaume, North and East Ontario Regional Project Coordinator, ORBCoN

The Ontario Regional Blood Coordinating Network (ORBCoN) and Canadian Blood Services (CBS) co-hosted their annual Transfusion Medicine Educational Serology Workshop and Web Conference Symposium on April 10th and 11th this year. The primary objective of these annual educational events is to provide best practice information on blood transfusion to healthcare staff in community and rural hospitals across Ontario. Over the years, these events have become highly anticipated, drawing attendees across the province, nationally and internationally. Participants value the opportunity to access up-to-date information and learning they provide.

About the Workshop

The workshop titled Mysteries in a Test Tube, provided hands on practice and education to laboratory staff that work in hospital transfusion services. Participants chose from three tiers, each tailored to varying levels of complexity, ensuring a valuable learning experience for all levels of expertise. Each registered site received samples along with a case study containing tier-specific questions. Sites were given dedicated time to complete the work and submit their answers. These answers were then discussed collectively during the review session for each tier. A total of 38 attendees joined Dr. Johnathan Mack as he led engaging discussion sessions on April 10th, further enriching the workshop experience. The response was overwhelming, with all fifty workshop spots quickly filled, underscoring the demand for such interactive learning opportunities.  For those that were unable to attend, the sessions are available for review on our website, extending the educational reach beyond physical attendance. 2024 CBS/ORBCoN Wet Workshop – Transfusion Ontario

About the Symposium

The symposium titled “The Blueprint for Massive Hemorrhage Protocol: Development, Implementation and Optimization in Rural Hospitals” drew an astounding 1151 registrations, attesting to its relevance and significance. Designed for healthcare workers in community and rural areas that are involved in blood component administration that may not have specialized knowledge in transfusion science, the symposium was accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons as well as the College of Family Physicians. The virtual format facilitated widespread participation, allowing hospital staff from across the province to benefit from the expert-led presentations.

The symposium program comprised three presentations, followed by a Q&A session with the presenters, which was moderated by Dr. Johnathan Mack. Dr. Laura Stone, representing Sault Area Hospital, delivered the first presentation titled “A Practical Approach to Updating the Massive Hemorrhage Protocol (MHP) at Your Community Hospital: What We Have Done and What We Have Learned,” focusing on their hospital’s experience in implementing a massive hemorrhage protocol. Dr. Andrew Petrosoniak’s presentation “Bringing your MHP to life: the roll out, the logistics and the training” centered on identifying strategies to ensure optimal implementation, utilization, and maintenance of MHPs. The final presentation, “Transfusion in the Pre-hospital and Inter-facility Transport System,” was delivered by Dr. Michael Peddle, covering the patient transport system in Ontario and a review of pre-transfer care to optimize patient outcomes prior to definitive care.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with commendations for the informative content and collaborative spirit. Attendee’s were provided with a certificate of attendance after completing the event evaluation survey, and a draw was held for those that had completed the survey.

“In the years I have been in the Transfusion Medicine department, I have attended each TM Symposium. This one was the most informative and interesting.”    – Anonymous

This year’s lucky winners were: Shannon Moores –100$ Amazon Gift Card, Grace Liu – 50$ Indigo Gift Card and Debbie Hamilton- 50$ Esso Gift Card.

If you missed the event, you can still view it by using the following link. 19th Annual TM Education Symposium – Transfusion Ontario

“This symposium was very helpful towards my understanding of the overall process of MHPs and how the products that are issued in the lab are used towards saving lives.”  – Anonymous

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants and eagerly anticipate seeing you at future ORBCoN/CBS events. Stay tuned to our events calendar for updates and announcements.

Featured Resources

MHP Quality Metrics Portal

Note: Each Ontario hospital will need to determine where the data for the metrics is housed within their facility and who will be responsible for gathering and entering the data.

Upcoming Events

Transfusionists Talk

GHEST 2024 Save the Date

U of T

June 20, 2024 @12pm-1pm

MLT Session – Interesting serology cases

Subscribe to U of T Transfusion Medicine Rounds mailing list to get register