Patient blood management: is it worth to be employed?

In recent years, the view changed from 'product orientated' to 'patient orientated' and a new concept, named 'patient blood management' (PBM), was created with the aim to improve patient care and safety. However, changing long lasting work practice is more than challenging but the outcomes of several recently published studies confirm the concept and warrant the effort. This review will exemplify the need of patient centered treatments and highlight recent findings in the field of PBM.

Anemia is the biggest predictor for red blood cell transfusion that may by itself be associated with adverse outcome. PBM is a multiprofessional and multidisciplinary composition addressing a patient-centered prevention and treatment of both preoperative and hospital-acquired anemia. Thereby, red blood cell utilization can be reduced and patient perioperative outcome improved.

During recent years, a tremendous movement has been observed in respect of patient safety and patient blood use. However, the majority of hospitals hazard with the implementation of PBM practice mostly because the awareness about recent findings and current recommendations regarding PBM is lacking.