BMJ open quality
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Optimising preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) before elective surgery is recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. We have used a quality improvement (QI) approach to treat iron deficiency anaemia in patients presenting to the preoperative assessment clinic (PAC) before major elective oesophagogastric surgery. Through a series of three QI cycles, we have treated iron deficiency, improved preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) and reduced the rate of postoperative blood transfusion. ⋯ In 2018, none of the patients who required a postoperative blood transfusion presented to theatre with preoperative anaemia, a significant change from prior to the interventions. There has been a reduction of 63% in the number of units transfused. The project has successfully optimised these patients, leading to improved preoperative Hb and reduced use of blood transfusion.