This August, keep Patient Blood Management (PBM) principles top of mind with the WCBS must-read transfusion education poster campaign that details five principles to consider before transfusing your patient; a win-win to optimise patient outcomes and decrease transfusion-related risks and hospital stays.
View the 5 foundational PBM principles poster here
A well-documented global burden of iron deficiency being linked to poorer patient outcomes, with high rates of anaemia in elective surgery patients (47.8%) and pregnant women (42.7%) being documented in South Africa, are important impetuses for PBM to gain priority in the country.
PBM essentially promotes management and preservation of the patient’s own blood, and to only transfuse blood and blood products when absolutely necessary. The basis relies on three PBM pillars – optimisation of red cell mass; minimisation of blood loss; and harnessing and optimisation of physiological reserves of anaemia, which should be assessed in the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative settings, but is also applicable for non-surgical patients.
For more practical approaches about how to implement PBM practices, please refer to the PBM chapter in the Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Blood and Blood Products in South Africa, Sixth Edition, Chapter 1, or contact Dr Caroline Hilton, Lead Medical Consultant (Caroline@wcbs.org.za) for assistance.
Take this opportunity to subscribe to WCBS transfusion education poster campaigns, and keep best transfusion practices top of mind throughout the year; subscribe now!
For information about WCBS transfusion education poster campaigns, contact Hayley Alie, Hospital Liaison Officer (hayleya@wcbs.org.za).
