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Research Article | DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21547999

Factors Influencing the Management and Distribution of Blood Units in Hospital Settings: A Mixed-Methods Study in Greek Public Hospitals

Tzenalis Anastasios *

Nursing Dep. Patras University Patra, Greece N.Zizi 4, Campous Koukouli,Patra, Greece 

*Corresponding Author: Tzenalis Anastasios, Nursing Dep. Patras University Patra, Greece N.Zizi 4, Campous Koukouli,Patra, Greece.

Citation: Tzenalis Anastasios (2026). Factors Influencing the Management and Distribution of Blood Units in Hospital Settings: A Mixed-Methods Study in Greek Public Hospitals, J International Journal of Public Health Research and Epidemiology; 2 (3) 14, DOI:I10.5281/zenodo.21547999

Copyright: Tzenalis Anastasios, et al © (2026). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Received: 22 May 2026 | Accepted: 29 May 2026 | Published: 25 June 2026

Keywords: transfusion; blood management; transfusion errors; patient safety; nursing practice

Abstract

Background: The safe management and distribution of blood products represent critical components of transfusion medicine and patient safety. Errors occurring during the transfusion process may lead to severe adverse events and compromise the quality of healthcare services. Understanding the factors that influence blood management procedures is essential for improving transfusion safety and reducing preventable errors in hospital settings.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the proper management and distribution of blood units from hospital blood banks to clinical departments and to explore the role of organizational conditions and professional training in the occurrence of transfusion-related errors.

Methods: A mixed-method study design was applied. The quantitative phase consisted of cross-sectional surveys conducted among healthcare professionals working in six public hospitals in Greece, including blood bank personnel and clinical staff. Data were collected using structured electronic questionnaires. In addition, the Delphi technique was employed to obtain expert consensus on key factors influencing blood management procedures. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests.

Results: A total of 536 healthcare professionals participated in the study. The findings indicated a relatively low frequency of returned or unsuitable blood units in the participating hospitals. However, several organizational and human factors were identified as important contributors to transfusion-related errors, including work-related stress, excessive workload, staff shortages and ineffective communication between clinical departments and blood bank services. In addition, professional training and continuous education were strongly associated with reduced occurrence of errors and improved transfusion safety.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of structured procedures, effective communication and continuous professional education in ensuring safe blood management practices. Strengthening organizational support and implementing targeted training programs may significantly contribute to reducing transfusion-related errors and improving patient safety in hospital transfusion services.

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