Patient Blood Management (PBM) is an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach to improve care of patients. Application of PBM strategies can improve patient experience and quality of care while reducing cost. When institutions begin to consider a PBM program the focus often turns to the lab and more specifically the Transfusion Service (TS) since blood products are its area of responsibility. As a result, TS becomes the “home” for PBM and responsible for implementing the program. However, the lead for PBM should not entirely fall on the Transfusion Service. A holistic PBM program has far-reaching impact throughout the hospital. PBM affects clinical practice, staff engagement, patient satisfaction, and hospital procedures. To be successful, the appropriate leadership must be willing and able to address these challenges.
Along with bold, insightful and collaborative leadership, a healthcare system needs a diverse, cross-functional team to create a successful PBM program. This team must motivate and mobilize an entire organization to engage in PBM initiatives. Principles of change acceleration should be employed to understand stakeholders’ perspectives and ensure effective, sustainable change. Three components are required: the right mindset, the right skillset, and the right toolset. Without proper leadership and operational mindset, even the most skilled PBM team will fail. Furthermore, deploying and successfully implementing a PBM program is not trivial. The challenge is to respect the realities of medical practice where every patient is unique; every clinical situation is different; every physician has learned from his/ her own unique combination of mentors and experiences.
