AMERICAN RED CROSS BIOARCH PROJECT

American Red Cross Biomedical Architecture (BioArch) Project



Abstract

In 2008, the biomedical division of American Red Cross initiated a project named Biomedical Architecture project. The aim of the project was the modernization of software and hardware employed in collection, process and distribution of the blood products. In this paper we will discuss the details of the project all together with detailed analysis of the aims and objective of the project. Furthermore, the paper will discuss whether the project aims and objectives are appropriate to meet the expectations of American Red Cross.

American Red Cross Biomedical Architecture (BioArch) Project

American Red Cross initiated the BioArch project for the modernization of information technology in order to adopt the standards of international society of Blood transfusion, which was the requirement of being competitive. The institute initiated the project in 2008, to complete the project by 2011, but the project was delayed by approximately two years and at present the project is in its last phase of deployment. The project was delayed because of unplanned and unanticipated events. The internal and external factors contributed in the project delay. The aim of the study was to analyze the risks, failure, success and challenges of BioArch project of American Red Cross.

Overview

In the present health care environment, American Red Cross goes through intense competition from local blood banks that have modern and efficient technology and process for the collection, test and distribution of blood products. These blood banks have ISBT 128 labeling in order to become compatible with healthcare institutes all over the country. Since, Red Cross has labeling system that is incompatible with the systems of healthcare institutes; it faces difficulty to deal with these institutes in the country (Fact Sheet Biomedical Services, n.d), due to this several hospital have switched to other blood banks which are compatible with ISBT 128 labeling standards. As a result, American Red Cross had to opt for modernization of information technology systems in middle of 2000, but because of lack of upper management commitment, the branches in the country were compelled to employ the old and inefficient system. Ultimately, in 2008, the organization considered the problem on serious note and began the project of modernizations of information technology which lead to the invention of Biomedical Architecture (BioArch) project.

Goals of BioArch Project

To enhance the reliability and functionality of equipments through upgrading the software and hardware to support the blood collection operation at Red Cross.

To implement the international standards of Blood transfusion ISBT 128 label, the universal and standardized system for the labeling and identification of cellular therapy, tissue, blood products.

To upgrade the software for the integration of quality-control check at point of collection.

To achieve the persistent compliance through implementation of updated version of software applications for blood establishment.

To foster the consistency through standardization of job descriptions, procedures and training.

To minimize the volume of documentation done on manual basis with the integration automated steps in the process of collection.

To minimize the loss of products ...