The impact of blood utilization guidelines on product usage

Abstract

In 2012, Frederick Memorial Hospital (FMH) revitalized their blood utilization guidelines to follow a more restrictive approach to blood product transfusions. With help from the American Red Cross and the American Association of Blood Banks, the blood utilization committee at FMH established a set of blood transfusion guidelines, and educated and enforced all ordering physicians to follow the new set of guidelines. Since the guidelines were established, the amount of red blood cell transfusions decreased by 34%, plasma transfusions decreased by 55%, and platelet transfusions decreased by 34%. These decreases have reduced the number of patients exposed to the possibility of transfusion-adverse reactions and related side effects. Reported transfusion reactions since 2012 decreased by 51%. By using a more restrictive set of guidelines the blood utilization committee was able to achieve their goals, which included 1) reducing the high cost associated with blood transfusion, 2) improving patient care, and 3) educating physicians regarding current transfusion protocols and techniques, while concurrently decreasing transfusion-related adverse events. The successful process used at FMH may be useful for other similar health care settings.