Reduction of fresh frozen plasma use with a simple education program

Fifty-six charts of patients who received 307 units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) were audited to determine the transfusion practice of this component at our 550-bed regional referral hospital. Forty-six patients (82%) were on the surgical service. Indications for FFP transfusion were poorly documented. Forty-nine patients (87%) lacked evidence of a coagulopathy. An educational program addressing appropriate use of FFP was initiated. Over the course of two years, FFP usage dropped by over 1,000 units annually (46%).