Search

This study examines the feasibility and potential benefits of implementing a blood management program at the Mike O'Callaghan Federal Hospital (MOFH). The study evaluated two major courses of action for potential implementation of blood utilization practices. Analyses indicated that implementation of a full-scale program in the surgical setting would not significantly impact the MOFH from a strict cost-benefit standpoint. In the medical services segments, however, implementing consistent, evidence-based peer review procedures and eliminating autologous donations could potentially save the MOFH more than $120,000 over the next three years. Integral to the potential savings is the initiation of a blood management committee. The oversight and guidance provided by the committee would be the driving force for reducing the number of allogeneic transfusions occurring in the facility. Fewer transfusions correlate to fewer transfusion reactions, reduced risk of infection, and fewer surgical complications. Reducing the number of transfusions will have widespread benefits for both patient safety and the bottom line of the MOFH. Following through with the blood management committee recommendation also opens the door for several future studies which could also provide financial and operational benefits to the MOFH.