Patient Blood Management: A conceptual and analytical vision from the leadership in Spain

The evolution of blood saving programs to Patient Blood Management (PBM) represents a broader and more comprehensive approach to optimize the use of the patient's own blood, thus improving clinical outcomes and minimizing the risks associated with allogeneic blood transfusion with a holistic view of socio-economic sustainability. Implementing the strategies of the three PBM pillars in any hospital center involves a transversal change throughout the organization in which it can be very useful to apply the strategy defined by Kotter at the business level for change management. The support of renowned institutions such as the World Health Organization and the European Commission demonstrates the importance and urgency of implementing PBM programs, setting guidelines at an international level and supporting the adoption of effective strategies in the management of blood transfusion at a national and institutional level. In Spain, we need to have health managers at both the Hospital Management level and the Regional Health Services and/or Ministry of Health that provide the necessary resources for its proper implementation in the health system from primary care to hospital care and also the resources for the timely evaluation of the results.