More work needed to promote evidence-based transfusion practices

I applaud Modern Healthcare for highlighting the important issue of patient blood management in the article “Time to Transfuse Best Blood Practices at Hospitals” (Jan. 20, p. 26). The decision of whether to transfuse blood products is gaining significant attention. Clinical studies have shown that evidenced-based transfusion practices are generally associated with better patient outcomes, as well as reduced resource utilization.

A growing number of institutions are turning to patient blood management—the evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach to optimizing the care of patients who might need a transfusion—as an important component of their care-planning decisions. Yet more needs to be accomplished within individual hospitals, health systems and medical societies to promote greater awareness of this approach among clinicians, including increased education and expert advice.

Lance Trewhella Director of patient blood management AABB Bethesda, Md.