A program to minimize preventable and inappropriate blood product transfusions in liver surgery

Major liver surgery, commonly performed for the treatment of cancer, can lead to significant blood loss and blood transfusions (BT). In fact one in four Canadians undergoing liver surgery receives a blood transfusion. Although life-saving, BT are also associated with potential patient harm. Risks include life-threatening reactions, postoperative complications, and worse cancer outcomes. Moreover, restrictive transfusion practices have been show to be safe for patients; however, non-adherence to these guidelines remains high. This research aims to develop and implement strategies to reduce the occurence of inappropriate BT in liver surgery through a multiphase program. First an audit of institutional BT prescribing practices in liver surgery will be conducted to establish when, where, how, and why inappropriate BT occur. This will then guide the development of targeted educational and policy driven interventions to reduce inappropriate BT at The Ottawa Hospital. Lastly, these interventions will be monitored and evaluated to ensure effective reduction in inappropriate BT. THis work will establish a framework fr the elimination of inappropriate BT, which can be replicated provincially and internationally. It also has the potential to be applied to other patient populations.

MARTEL, Guillaume

The Ottawa Hospital

Blood Efficiency Accelerator Program

Ontario

$20,000