When Transfusion Is Not an Option-the Challenges and Rewards

Critical Care Nursing Quarterly
Rita SchwabErin Suydam

Abstract

The decision to develop a formal Bloodless Medicine Program to attract and effectively care for patients who decline blood transfusion was made in 1998 by clinical and administrative leaders at our flagship hospital, Allegheny General Hospital, part of the Allegheny Health Network. The Bloodless Medicine Program has more than 20 years of experience in caring for this sometimes challenging patient population and with this experience has provided extensive insight into best practices related to effective, safe, patient blood management. Patient blood management is a patient-centered, evidence-based approach to transfusion that seeks to provide the right care, in the right setting, in the right way, every time. It includes honoring the wishes of patients who decline blood products in their care, that is, "bloodless" medicine. Encouraging patients to participate in their own health care decisions is a vital part of safe, compassionate care. When called upon to provide care to a patient who declines a common therapy such as blood transfusion, clinicians must often develop alternative strategies to achieve the desired results. Their willingness to think creatively and push boundaries has resulted in significant advancement of clinica...Continue Reading

References

Jul 1, 2005·Journal of General Internal Medicine·Paaladinesh ThavendiranathanNiteesh K Choudhry
Feb 26, 2011·Journal of Cardiac Surgery·Robert J MoracaGeorge J Magovern
Jun 14, 2015·BMJ : British Medical Journal·Elizabeth L WhitlockAndrew D Auerbach
Aug 6, 2017·Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America·Deborah J Tolich, Kelly McCoy

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Citations

Jul 18, 2019·Journal of Nursing Scholarship : an Official Publication of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing·Arlene SmaldoneJudith Kelson

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