Several topics will be discussed to assist assessors in providing a consistent accreditation experience for AABB member facilities. These discussions will aid assessors in their role as compliance and conformance ambassadors within their home facilities, as well as offer assistance and educational opportunities during the performance of an assessment at an AABB-accredited facility.

Cultural Awareness: Impact on Assessment Performance. A representative from the AABB Education Advisory Accreditation Committee (EAAC) will provide tips, tricks, and techniques for bridging gaps in assessments performed in cross-cultural situations. The EAAC will also give an orientation to the new reference document made available in the assessor portal.

Overview of Resources to Enhance Assessor Skills. A representative from the AABB Education Advisory Accreditation Committee (EAAC) will outline the criteria used to evaluate assessor performance. The EAAC will identify the resources available to ensure a consistent assessment experience is provided to member facilities.

How to Use the Assessment Tool: Desk Assessments and Self-Assessments. Preparing for an assessment is key to quality performance. Assessors may elect to use the assessment tool to perform a desk assessment of the facility they are scheduled to assess. In the timeframe between assessments, accredited facilities are encouraged to use the assessment tool to evaluate their policies and processes. Using the tool during a self-assessment allows for the identification of areas for process improvement. Tips on how to utilize the assessment tool during a desk assessment, as well as a self-assessment resource at your facility, will be discussed.

Overview of Regulatory Support at AABB: Developed with input from federal regulators, AABB’s regulatory resources are clear, user-friendly tools that help blood and biotherapy facilities protect donor and patient safety at each step in the transfusion chain. A representative of the AABB regulatory department will provide an overview of updates.

Overview of Standards Support at AABB. Since 1957, AABB standards have been the backbone of AABB’s mission. AABB standards are currently applied to AABB-Accredited facilities in more than 50 countries and other facilities to advance their quality and safety measures. A representative of the AABB standards department will provide an update on the present and future of AABB Standards.

Donna Lucia BS, MT(ASCP), CQA(ASQ)

Transfusion & Tissue Service - Multi-Site Team Leader, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital & MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital

Appearances