Patient Blood Management (PBM) is the scientific use of safe and effective medical and surgical techniques designed to prevent anemia and decrease bleeding in an effort to improve patient outcome. Society for the Advancement of Blood Management

 

A PBM program uses a team approach to assess a patient’s blood management needs. The goal of the team is to develop a plan of care that uses pharmaceuticals, technology and techniques to decrease blood loss and to enhance blood cell production. This approach reduces or eliminates the need for a blood transfusion.

 

PBM has many benefits. Consider that it:

• conserves the use of blood, a precious resource
• improves patient safety by minimizing exposure to blood
• may decrease hospital length of stay and reduces exposure to viruses and other blood-borne diseases
• may reduce the risk of hospital acquired complications and infections

 

Please keep in mind that you have the right to:

• Have a physician who will work with you in a knowledgeable and respectful way
• Understand the risks and benefits of blood transfusion
• Learn about strategies to reduce your risk of needing a blood transfusion
• Know what your blood counts are and what the results mean

 

For more information about PBM at YRMC, please contact Dale Black, Program Coordinator, at (928) 771-5109.