• Ashley Rittenhouse, Marilyn Ostendorf, Chanice Johns, and Marc Gerdisch.
• Ashley Rittenhouse is a critical care registered nurse, Franciscan Health Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Crit Care Nurse. 2024 Jun 1; 44 (3): 364436-44.

BackgroundPatients with anemia have poorer outcomes following cardiac surgery than do those without anemia. To improve outcomes, the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery cardiac recommendations include optimizing patients' condition, including treating anemia, before surgery.Local ProblemDespite implementing Enhanced Recovery After Surgery initiatives, a midwestern cardiothoracic surgery group recognized a care gap in preoperative patients with anemia. No standardized protocol was in use.MethodsAn anemia optimization protocol was developed for perioperative care of patients with anemia. Data from retrospective medical record review were analyzed to determine relationships between protocol use and secondary outcomes. The protocol was created using best evidence and expert consensus. Cardiac surgery and hematology specialists revised the protocol and agreed on a final version. The protocol was integrated into the consultation process for cardiac surgery patients.ResultsDuring the implementation period, 23 of 55 patients with anemia (42%) received interventions via the anemia optimization protocol. The mean quantity of packed red blood cells transfused perioperatively per patient was 1.9 U in the protocol group and 3.5 U in the nonprotocol group. In the subgroup of patients experiencing postoperative acute kidney injury, the mean increase in creatinine level was 0.65 mg/dL in the protocol group and 1.52 mg/dL in the nonprotocol group. Four patients in the protocol group (17%) and 6 patients in the nonprotocol group (19%) experienced postoperative acute kidney injury.ConclusionPreoperative anemia is associated with poorer cardiac surgical outcomes. Incorporating the anemia optimization protocol into practice may mitigate the risk of postoperative complications for patients with anemia. Continued use of the protocol is recommended.©2024 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.

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