BISKIT
The Blood Information System for Crisis Intervention and Management (BISKIT) App
In times of crisis—whether it be a natural disaster, armed conflict, or a large-scale public health emergency—the demand for safe and quality-assured blood and blood products rises dramatically. Ensuring a steady supply of these life-saving resources is crucial to maintaining healthcare systems, saving lives, and preventing further destabilization in an already chaotic environment. Without adequate blood supplies, the consequences can be devastating.
This groundbreaking initiative is exploring a key question: How can digital solutions help ensure a sufficient supply of safe and quality-assured blood and blood products before, during, and after a crisis? In an attempt to answer this question, eHealth Africa, in collaboration with other consortium partners, developed the Blood Information System for Crisis Intervention and Management (BISKIT) app.
BISKIT Solution: Features and Milestones
The Blood Information System for Crisis Intervention and Management (BISKIT) is designed to optimize the blood donation and supply chain, from recruitment to the final issuing of blood products to patients, using advanced digital and geographical tools. Here is a breakdown of the key features and milestones:
- Comprehensive Blood Supply Chain Monitoring: BISKIT oversees every stage of the blood supply process, including donor recruitment, donations, processing, testing, transportation, storage, and issuing blood products to patients. The system integrates Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to enhance visibility and tracking across all stages.
- Emergency Response Mode: In times of crisis, BISKIT can switch to an emergency mode that allows for accelerated action and alternative release methods of blood reserves. This feature ensures that blood products can be delivered swiftly when and where they are needed most.
- Enhanced Visibility and Accountability: BISKIT ensures transparency by providing digital evidence of all activities and resources involved in the blood supply chain. This enables healthcare providers to track every step in the process, ensuring accountability and quality control.
- Mobile Compatibility: The system is designed to adapt seamlessly to mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones, allowing healthcare professionals to access and manage the system even when they are on the move.
- Optimized Logistics via Geographical Information: By integrating geographical information, BISKIT optimizes logistics processes, ensuring that blood supplies are transported efficiently from donors to patients. This feature is particularly valuable for managing blood resources in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
- Offline Functionality: BISKIT can operate offline, allowing users to continue their work even in areas with limited connectivity. When a connection is restored, the system synchronizes with the main database, ensuring that no data is lost.
- Multi-Source Data Integration: The system collects and integrates data from multiple sources and vendors. It also includes a USSD reporting feature that allows users to submit reports using basic mobile phones without internet access.
- Comprehensive Tracking: BISKIT tracks a variety of key data points, including adverse effects related to blood transfusions, temperature history of stored blood, and the origins of blood donations. This detailed tracking ensures that the blood supply remains safe and high-quality throughout the process.
- Donor Feedback System: Donors receive feedback on how and where their donations have been used. This feature helps to engage donors by showing them the direct impact of their contributions.
- Plug-and-Play Compatibility: BISKIT is built with advanced API services that allow for quick integration into the OpenSource community. This plug-and-play capability makes it easier to adopt and scale the system within different healthcare environments.
