Implementation and Impact of a Patient Blood Management Program in an Urban Community Hospital: An Eight-Year Study

TL;DR

This study shows that a patient blood management program reduced unnecessary blood transfusions and saved costs over eight years at a New York City hospital.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the long-term clinical and economic benefits of a resource-light patient blood management program in a community hospital.

Findings

Mean pretransfusion hemoglobin levels decreased from 7.26 g/dL in 2013 to 6.68 g/dL in 2020.

RBC transfusions at Hgb ≥ 7 g/dL dropped from 58.7% in 2013 to 20.0% in 2020, a 39% reduction.

Estimated cost savings from 2014 to 2020 totaled USD 2.2 million.

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluates the efficacy of a patient blood management (PBM) initiative in reducing unnecessary red blood cell (RBC) transfusions at a New York City community teaching hospital over eight years (2013–2020). Methods: A retrospective analysis of RBC transfusion data was performed, covering the period from 2013 to 2020. Findings: Post-PBM implementation, notable advancements were recorded annually. Mean pretransfusion hemoglobin (Hgb) levels decreased from 7.26 g/dL in 2013 to 6.68 g/dL in 2020. Annual RBC transfusion units decreased, with units transfused at Hgb ≥ 7 g/dL falling from 1210 (58.7%) in 2013 to 377 (20.0%) in 2020, a drop of 39%. Two-unit RBC orders at Hgb ≥ 7 g/dL declined from 65 in 2013 to 10 in 2020. Estimated cost savings from 2014 to 2020 totaled US Dollar (USD) 2.2 million. Conclusions: The PBM program significantly curtailed unnecessary RBC transfusions and optimized transfusion practices, demonstrating that resource-light, evidence-based strategies can yield substantial clinical and economic benefits.

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