Objectives: This paper presents a reference data model for blood bank management to control blood inventories considering real-world uncertainties and constraints. It helps information systems identify blood product status for various critical decisions (such as replenishment, assignment, and issuing) instantly. Additionally, some significant optimization concepts of the inventory management literature for blood wastage and shortage reduction, such as clearance sale and substitution based on medical priorities, are applied in the model. Methods: The proposed model was constructed by object-oriented and ICAM (Integrated Computer Aided Manufacturing) definition ɸ (IDEF0) techniques for function modeling. Through semi-structured questionnaires and interviews, the research team elicited and classified user requirements. Then, the demand-centered sub-processes and comprehensive functions were mapped to manage the process. Results: The model captures and integrates the top-level features of the inventory system entities. It also provides insights into a developed data dictionary to understand the system’s elements and attributes, where a data item fits in the structure, and what values it may contain. For designing the system’s process and following-up data, the main relevant inputs are considered. Conclusions A flexible and applicable demand-centered framework for managing a typical blood bank’s inventory process was developed by focusing on user requirements. The proposed model can be applied to design and monitor inventory information and decision-support systems. The model provides real-time iterative dynamic process insights. It can also provide the data needed for logistic planning systems and the design of blood operational infrastructure.

INTRODUCTIONGabapentin has demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials as a pre-emptive analgesic and in acute postoperative pain management. However, our experience with the drug is still limited. The present study was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of gabapentin on reduction of postoperative pain in the first 24 hours after internal fixation of the tibia under spinal anaesthesia.

METHODSIn a double-blind, randomised controlled clinical trial, 64 American Society of Anesthesiologists Class I or II patients, who underwent internal fixation of the tibia, were administered 300 mg of gabapentin or a placebo two hours before surgery. The postoperative pain was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale two, 12 and 24 hours after surgery. The time from the end of surgery until the first bolus dose of morphine on demand (pain score > 4) and the total morphine requirement were recorded. Patients were also asked about the possible side effects of gabapentin.

RESULTSThe pain score was significantly lower in the gabapentin group at two hours post surgery (p-value is 0.004), while the scores at 12 and 24 hours post surgery were not significantly different between the two groups. No side effect of gabapentin was observed.

CONCLUSIONPre-emptive use of gabapentin 300 mg orally significantly decreases postoperative pain two hours after surgery.

Adult ; Amines ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Anesthesia, Spinal ; methods ; Anesthesiology ; methods ; Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Morphine ; therapeutic use ; Orthopedics ; methods ; Pain ; drug therapy ; Pain, Postoperative ; Placebos ; Tibia ; surgery ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use