Implementation of a Blood Conservation Initiative to Effectively Reduce Blood Transfusions in Cardiac Surgery...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Transfusion Medicine
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Perioperative blood transfusions in cardiac surgery correlate with a 16% rise in mortality and increased morbid outcomes.
• Red blood cell transfusion rates in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery at the project site exceeded national benchmarks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To decrease red blood cell transfusions in cardiac surgery patients by 10% within an 8-week period.
• To enhance blood conservation awareness and promote evidence-based practices in cardiac surgery.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a shared decision-making tool for patients.
• Utilization of the Any RBC Transfusion online risk calculator.
• Initiation of anemia protocols, chart identification, and blood conservation coordinator referrals.

Main Results:

• No significant decrease in the blood transfusion rate was observed during the project's implementation phase.
• The project successfully increased awareness of blood conservation strategies among clinical teams and leaders.

Conclusions:

• While the primary goal of reducing transfusion rates was not met, the initiative effectively raised awareness and stimulated discussions regarding evidence-based practices in blood management.
• Further strategies may be needed to achieve significant reductions in transfusion rates for cardiac surgery patients.