In international practice, perfusion documentation is regarded as a key component of quality systems, patient safety, and professional accountability. The standards of AmSECT and SCPS explicitly state that accurate, complete, and timely documentation is a mandatory element of safe perfusion practice and the foundation for quality analysis and education.

The Perfusion Record as an Element of the Quality System
A perfusion record is a structured clinical document that reflects the course of extracorporeal support, perfusion parameters, clinical decisions, and significant events.
International standards emphasize that the perfusion record ensures clinical traceability and enables practice analysis at both departmental and institutional levels.
AmSECT defines documentation as a mandatory component of minimum safety requirements, while SCPS considers it an integral part of the perfusionist’s professional responsibility.

Recommended Perfusion Record Template
(based on international standards)
1. Identification Data

• Patient name / identifier
• Age, body weight, body surface area
• Date and time of the procedure
• Name of the medical institution
• Perfusionist’s name

2. Procedure Characteristics

• Type of surgery
• Type of extracorporeal support (CPB, ECMO, etc.)
• Circuit type and configuration
• Equipment used

3. Anticoagulation

• Baseline values
• Drug and dosage
• Monitoring time points
• Adjustments and clinical comments

4. Perfusion and Monitoring Parameters

• Blood flow
• Pressure
• Temperature
• Gas exchange
• Hematocrit / hemoglobin
• Other parameters according to local protocol

5. Clinical Events

• Deviations from the standard course
• Emergency situations
• Corrective actions
• Team communication

6. Termination of Extracorporeal Support

• Time of termination
• Parameters at weaning
• Transitional period considerations

7. Conclusion and Identification

• Brief clinical summary
• Perfusionist’s signature or identification
• Date and time of completion

This template aligns with the principles of minimum documentation outlined in AmSECT Standards & Guidelines and may be expanded or adapted according to local requirements.

Linking Documentation with SOPs and Checklists
International experience shows that documentation is effective only when directly linked to SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and clinical checklists.

Recommended linkage:
Perfusion Record ↔ SOPs ↔ Checklists
Use of checklists reduces the risk of missing critical steps, and their outcomes should be reflected in the perfusion record, as emphasized in AmSECT documents and perfusion safety research.

Documentation and Professional Accountability
In international practice, maintaining a perfusion record is considered part of the perfusionist’s professional responsibility. Documentation captures:

• clinical decisions;
• compliance with standards;
• team communication;
• actions in non-standard situations.

SCPS emphasizes that proper documentation is a professional duty closely linked to quality, safety, and ethics.

Documentation as a Quality Improvement Tool
Data from perfusion records are used for:

• analysis of clinical outcomes;
• review of incidents and near-miss events;
• education and training;
• revision and improvement of SOPs.

This approach aligns with quality improvement principles adopted by international professional communities, including AmSECT and ELSO.

Practical Application at the Institutional Level
International standards emphasize that each healthcare institution should:

• use a standardized perfusion record;
• integrate it with local SOPs;
• regularly analyze documentation data;
• apply findings to improve clinical practice.

This approach creates a reproducible, transparent, and safe system of perfusion care.

AmSECT Standards & Guidelines for Perfusion Practice https://amsect.org/policy-practice/amsects-standards-and-guidelines
SCPS Standards of Practice https://www.scps.org.uk/society/society-documents
AmSECT Standards & Guidelines for Perfusion Practice https://amsect.org/policy-practice/amsects-standards-and-guidelines
AmSECT Standards & Guidelines — разделы, посвящённые safety, documentation и checklists https://amsect.org/policy-practice/amsects-standards-and-guidelines
SCPS Standards of Practice https://www.scps.org.uk/society/society-documents
Exploring Perfusion Safety: A Review of Clinical and Non-Clinical Factors with Emphasis on Quality Improvement https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374782348