News Release
Changes Needed to Fortify U.S. Blood System from Financial and Biological Threats
Nov 28, 2016
This report describes the status quo in the U.S. blood system, explores a set of six specific research questions related to the sustainability of this system through analysis and discussion, and presents policy alternatives and recommendations that aim to improve blood system is sustainability. We employed a mixed-methods approach, blending insight from analyses of available data and from interviews and other interactions with stakeholders.
An Analysis of the Current System and Alternatives for the Future
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A robust, sustainable blood system is a crucial component of every health care system. The availability of safe blood and blood products is a prerequisite for various health care services — including some surgeries, treatments for cancer and other acute and chronic medical conditions, trauma care, organ transplantation, and childbirths — that extend and improve life for millions of patients annually.
This report describes the status quo in the U.S. blood system, explores a set of six specific research questions related to the sustainability of the U.S. blood system through analysis and discussion, and presents policy alternatives and tools that can help ensure that the U.S. blood system is sustainable. We employed a mixed-methods approach, blending insight from analyses of available data and from a series of interviews and other interactions with stakeholder groups.
Specifically, this report has the following three primary objectives: (1) describe the current blood system with a focus on relationships among key players and areas where market inefficiencies might exist; (2) outline potential opportunities to improve any identified inefficiencies and challenges under the current system, and explore the potential effects from changes in health care delivery, payment, technology, and clinical practice on blood supply, safety and prices; and (3) propose actionable solutions to the problems identified.
Chapter One
Introduction
Chapter Two
Overview of the U.S. Blood System
Chapter Three
Methods
Chapter Four
Trends Affecting Blood System Sustainability
Chapter Five
Payment for Blood and Health Care Services Involving Blood
Chapter Six
The Value of an Available Blood Supply
Chapter Seven
Emergency Preparedness Risk Assessment
Chapter Eight
Potential Innovation in Business Models
Chapter Nine
Best Practices from Other Nations' Blood Systems
Chapter Ten
Conclusion: Themes and Recommendations
Appendix
Interview Protocols
This research was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health (OASH), and conducted by RAND Health.
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