Network Targets Ineffective Clinical Practices

95% of hospitals in Catalonia, a total of 67 centres, have joined the Essential Network (Xarxa Essencial), an initiative led by the Agency for Health Quality and Assessment of Catalonia (AQuAS), to identify and reduce clinical practices that provide little or no benefit to patients. The Catalan Health Ministry announced the development on Monday 2nd November 2026, stating that nearly 30% of current clinical practices offer no significant value, while 10% may even cause harm. Coordinated by AQuAS, the Essential Network was launched in May 2025 to support healthcare teams in reviewing practices, share knowledge, provide evidence-based tools, and recognise improvement efforts across hospitals.

Blood Transfusions First Focus

The network has prioritised blood transfusions as its first area of action. Around 235,000 units of red blood cells are transfused annually in Catalonia. While life-saving in many cases, transfusions carry risks and rely on a limited supply. To ensure safer and more efficient use, the network has established two evidence-based thresholds: at least 65% of transfusions should involve a single unit, and at least 80% should be given to patients with low haemoglobin levels justifying the procedure. Five hospitals have already met both targets: Sant Joan de Déu de Manresa, the Moisès Broggi Complex in Sant Joan Despí, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Parc Taulí in Sabadell, and Germans Trias i Pujol in Badalona.

Improving Value and Safety

The project is part of a broader strategy to improve healthcare quality, efficiency and sustainability by redirecting resources from low-value practices to those with proven benefit. According to AQuAS, the initiative involves collaboration between health professionals, scientific societies, patients and the agency, with transparent and participatory development of recommendations. More information on the Essential Network and its work is available at the official portal: essencialsalut.gencat.cat.

Sources: Europa Press, Redacción Médica Publicada.