• Shane Kelly, Simon Sharpe, Marie Culliton, Mary F Higgins, and Joan Fitzgerald.
• University College Dublin School of Medicine, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
• Ir J Med Sci. 2023 Apr 1; 192 (2): 765771765-771.

BackgroundWith blood products being a limited and expensive resource within the healthcare system, there is an ever-increasing emphasis on judicial and appropriate use.AimsTo evaluate whether implementing contemporary society recommendations on restrictive transfusion policies would reduce inappropriate use of red blood cell transfusions, by evaluating the effect of a staff educational campaign.MethodsAn audit of peri-partum red cell concentrate (RCC) transfusion practice within a tertiary obstetric unit was undertaken, covering a 1-year period (2015), examining data related to transfusion prescribing practices. Subsequently, an educational programme was held for clinical and laboratory staff which aimed to bring practice in line with society guidelines. A repeat audit covering another 1-year period (2018) was undertaken.ResultsThe number of RCC units of transfused reduced by 49% between 2015 and 2018 (426 to 218). The number of patients receiving transfusion dropped from 166 in 2018 (1.8% of births) to 119 in 2015 (1.5% of births). Among stable patients who were transfused, the proportion receiving a single unit increased from 6.9 to 53.9%. (p < 0.001). Haematological reassessment between units rose from 13.8 to 80.4% (p < 0.001). Written consent documentation improved (68% in 2018 vs. 38% in 2015) (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe implementation of guidelines has resulted in substantial reduction in RCC transfusions between 2015 and 2018. Fewer women received a blood transfusion, and those who did received fewer units. There is a higher proportion of patients being reassessed between units and receiving single unit transfusions. Recording of consent has improved.© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland.

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