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

Critical Care Nursing Quarterly
Jeanne Lythgoe

Abstract

Perioperative and postoperative blood transfusions in cardiac surgery patients are associated with as much as a 16% increased risk of mortality and a significantly increased risk in morbid outcomes. At the project site, red blood cell transfusions in cardiac surgery patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft were above national benchmarks. The aim of the project was to reduce blood transfusions in cardiac surgery patients by 10% over 8 weeks. Primary interventions included engagement for the team and use of a shared decision-making tool for patients. Use of the Any RBC Transfusion online risk calculator was implemented with initiation of anemia protocol orders, chart identification, and blood conservation coordinator referral. There was no decrease in the blood transfusion rate during project implementation. However, this project heightened blood conservation awareness among team members and clinical leaders, brought attention to the need for evidence-based practice, and stimulated conversation about change.

References

Nov 26, 2010·European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery : Official Journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery·Alain VuylstekeMartin Utley
Mar 28, 2013·Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery·Filomena R B G GalasLudhmila A Hajjar
Oct 8, 2013·The Annals of Thoracic Surgery·Gaetano PaoneUNKNOWN Membership of the Michigan Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons
Dec 24, 2013·The Annals of Thoracic Surgery·Arman Kilic, Glenn J R Whitman
Dec 13, 2016·The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·Niv AdLisa M Fornaresio

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