Risk and Safety Perceptions Contribute to Transfusion Decisions in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Variability persists in intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rates, despite evidence supporting associated adverse sequelae. We evaluated whether beliefs concerning transfusion risk and safety are independently associated with the inclination to transfuse. We surveyed intraoperative transfusion decision-makers from 33 cardiac surgery programs in Michigan.

Organizational Contributors to the Variation in Red Blood Cell Transfusion Practices in Cardiac Surgery: Survey Results From the State of Michigan.

Background: While large volumes of red blood cell transfusions are given to preserve life for cardiac surgical patients, indications for lower volume transfusions (1-2 units) are less well understood. We evaluated the relationship between center-level organizational blood management practices and center-level variability in low volume transfusion rates.

Methods: All 33 nonfederal, Michigan cardiac surgical programs were surveyed about their blood management practices for isolated, nonemergent coronary bypass procedures, including: (1) presence and structure of a patient blood management program, (2) policies and procedures, and (3) audit and feedback practices.