Resource implications of adopting a restrictive neonatal blood transfusion policy.
S Afr Med J
; 103(12): 916-7, 2013 Sep 03.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-24300628
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Blood transfusions (BTFs) are not without risk and pose a significant financial burden on resource-limited services. In line with current international evidence, the nursery at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH), Cape Town, South Africa, introduced a restrictive BTF protocol to minimise transfusions and manage costs.OBJECTIVE:
To determine whether adopting a restrictive BTF policy results in fewer transfusions.METHODS:
Data were retrospectively collected on all infants who received BTFs in the GSH nursery over a 6-month period following adoption of a restrictive BTF policy in 2010. BTF figures for a similar time period before the restrictive policy, during 2008, were obtained for comparison.RESULTS:
After introduction of the restrictive BTF policy, 42 of 1 097 infants admitted (3.8%) received a total of 64 BTFs. In comparison, 102 of a total of 940 infants (10.9%) admitted during a period of the same length before introduction of the restrictive BTF policy received a total of 121 transfusions. Comparison between the number of BTFs administered before and after the restrictive policy showed a highly statistically significant difference (p<0.001). The total cost of the blood products used in the two 6-month periods was R91 870 v. R48 640, based on current prices.CONCLUSIONS:
By adopting a restrictive policy, we were able to halve the number of BTFs, reduce risks associated with transfusions, and achieve significant cost benefits. Following evidence-based guidelines results in high standards of care, while also making the most effective use of resources.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Transfusão de Sangue
/
Anemia Neonatal
Tipo de estudo:
Observational_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Humans
/
Newborn
País como assunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2013
Tipo de documento:
Article