Santa Casa begins implementation of tracking system for donated human milk to the institution
The procedure will put an end to manual recording in spreadsheets and printed forms, ensuring more accuracy of information, as well as saving time and resources
Developed in partnership by the Human Milk Bank (BLH) and the IT Management of the Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará Foundation (FSCMPA), the WEB/APP System will be used by members of the Bombeiros da Vida project in the stages ranging from registering donors to carrying out collection routes; and by the BLH of Santa Casa in all phases of handling the collected milk.
"These are necessary information about the milk donors and their clinical control, about the results of the analyses and processes carried out with the donated milk, including data on processing, quality control, and classification of the final product to choose the most suitable food to meet the nutritional needs of the hospitalized baby," summarizes nutritionist Vanda Marvão, technical responsible for the BLH of Santa Casa.
The system will be accessed and fed by approximately 65 professionals; 50 from the milk bank, including nutritionists, nursing staff, laboratory team, practical arts agents, and administrative staff; in addition to the team from the Bombeiros da Vida Project, including military personnel and civilian volunteers.
Santa Casa's systems manager, Victória Valente, highlights some of the challenges in developing the system, which needed to adapt to the complexity and specific needs of the Milk Bank, which could not be fully met by either the electronic medical records system used by the hospital or other systems.
"With the maturation of both the Milk Bank team regarding their processes and the IT area, in terms of technical knowledge and resources, we developed a system to encompass all stages of the flow and fully meet the demands. The main challenge was to build a solution that could cover everything from collection to delivery, ensuring traceability, data security, and efficient integration with already established routines," she states.
The implementation of the system will put an end to manual recording in spreadsheets and printed forms, ensuring more accuracy of information, as well as saving time and resources used in printing, such as ink and paper.
"The reception has been very positive. The teams recognize that computerization is a fundamental step to modernize services, reduce bureaucracy, and ensure greater sustainability within the hospital's 'paperless' policy. The expectation is that the system will become a reference for other milk banks in the region and even in Brazil," says Vanda Marvão.
Currently, the system is in the final phase of training and operational adjustments. It is expected to be in effective use and fully integrated into the routines of the Milk Bank by the end of September.
Milk Bank - Created in 1987, the Human Milk Bank of Santa Casa do Pará works to promote and support breastfeeding, collection, processing, and distribution of human milk for premature and low-birth-weight newborns who need safe and nutrient-rich food for their development. By July of this year, more than 1,600 liters of human milk had been collected, averaging 234 liters per month.
