Over the last 40 years, we have become more aware of the risks involved with getting a blood transfusion. So, there have been big efforts to make blood transfusions safer. But even though we’ve worked on making the blood itself safer, we need to pay as much attention to making sure that doctors use it wisely and only use it when absolutely necessary.
What is Patient Blood Management?
Pre-operative blood management involves managing and optimizing your blood before surgery. Methods used to save your blood during surgery, for example, trying to prevent unnecessary blood loss, collect and reuse blood during surgery, and dilute the blood less. All of this falls under a bigger idea called “patient blood management.”
Patient blood management is all about putting the patient first and making sure they have enough iron, don’t have anaemia, clot properly, and don’t lose too much blood, whether they’re having surgery or not. Anaemia and iron deficiency are big health issues for lots of people worldwide, but many people still don’t know about patient blood management or how to use it to stay healthy.
Why is Patient Blood Management Important?
Patient blood management is important for a wide range of individuals, including:
1. Patients Undergoing Surgery: If you’re going in for surgery, it helps make sure you don’t get more blood than you really need. This can reduce the risks associated with blood transfusions.
2. Patients with Anaemia: Individuals suffering from anaemia, a condition characterized by a low red blood cell count or low levels of hemoglobin, can benefit from patient blood management to address their condition and improve their overall health.
3. Patients with Chronic Medical Conditions: If you have long-term health problems, like kidney disease or cancer, patient blood management can help manage issues like anaemia and blood loss caused by your condition or treatments.
4. Trauma Patients: If you’ve been in an accident or hurt yourself, this can help make sure you don’t lose too much blood and improve your chances of healing.
5. Patients Requiring Blood Transfusions: Even if you need a blood transfusion, patient blood management makes sure you get the right amount of blood to do the job without using too much.
6. Pregnant Women: Expectant mothers may need blood management to address anaemia or other blood-related issues that can arise during pregnancy.
7. Elderly Patients: Older adults may be more vulnerable to anaemia and may require blood management as part of their healthcare to maintain their overall health and quality of life.
8. Patients with Coagulation Disorders: Individuals with coagulation disorders, where their blood doesn’t clot properly, may benefit from patient blood management to ensure they have the right treatments and interventions in place.
What are the benefits of Patient Blood Management
Pre-operative Blood Management (PBM) offers many benefits for a wide range of people:
1. Helps Many People: PBM is helpful for those with chronic anaemia, nutritional problems, women of reproductive age, kids, and anyone dealing with long-lasting illnesses, whether they’re getting ready for surgery or recovering from it.
2. Improves Life: PBM makes life better. It helps you feel good, work better, think more clearly, and stay healthy. It also reduces problems and even saves money by making hospital stays shorter.
3. Supports Public Health: PBM is good for everyone. It keeps people healthy, stops diseases, and makes sure everyone can get the care they need. It also means we don’t need as many blood transfusions, which is important during health crises like pandemics.
PBM is in line with big global health goals, like the Sustainable Development Goals and World Health Organization plans.
Basically, patient blood management is important for lots of different people. It’s all about making sure everyone gets the best care, avoiding the dangers of getting too much blood in a transfusion, and making smart decisions about blood for different health situations.
It’s a key way to make healthcare better, cost less, and help patients get well.
How IV Medical Care can help with Patient Blood Management
Getting your blood ready before surgery is a big deal, especially if your iron levels are low, which can make you anaemic. Anaemia can make surgery riskier and cause more problems afterward. There are lots of methods your doctor can use to make sure you are prepared for surgery which should be discussed with your surgeon.
IV iron supplementation can be used to raise hemoglobin levels quickly and safely before surgery in anaemic patients with low iron levels. Evidence supports the effectiveness of iron therapy in increasing hemoglobin levels and improving outcomes.
IV Medical Care can form part of your blood management team by providing iron infusions in a safe and comfortable environment with medical professionals on hand.
Contact us for more information.