The Emerging Role of the Patient Blood Management Nurse

Traditionally nurses in medical institutions have been responsible for the basic tasks related to blood transfusion including monitoring, safety and documentation. The practice of transfusion and nursing roles associated with administration and documentation of transfusions have been changing, becoming more complex over the past 20 years. Mounting evidence shows significant potential for adverse events and complications associated with blood transfusion. Evidence of the clinical and economic disadvantages of blood transfusion have prompted recommendations for restriction of transfusions and movement toward alternatives including optimization of the patient’s own blood.  The phrase, Patient Blood Management (PBM) refers to an evidence-based approach to optimizing the care of patients who might need transfusion or optimization of hemoglobin. A focus on improved patient outcomes and economic and operational pressures are prompting key industry thinkers to examine appropriate blood usage with new interest. The Patient Blood Management nurse plays an important role in implementation and execution of the multidisciplinary and multimodal techniques involved in Patient Blood Management. The Patient Blood Management nurse is familiar with best practices in transfusion medicine and can identify and use evidenced based practice to assist in finding the optimal balance between the lifesaving potential of transfusion and the use of safe alternatives where possible. Early detection and treatment of anemia and minimizing blood loss are key strategies. Patient Blood Management is becoming a global standard of care having been embedded in institutions around the world; due to the global focus networking of Patient Blood Management nurses is highly encouraged and recommended. The purpose of this presentation is to explore the emerging role of the Patient Blood Management nurse. In this presentation, the unique nature of the role of the Patient Blood Management nurse will be defined in detail. Upon completion of the presentation, the learner will recognize and internalize the value of the role of the PBM nurse and have the ability to create or modify a role for a PBM nurse in their institution.