title: Alternatives to blood transfusion.
abstract: Blood transfusion therapy in the 21st century continues to present limitations regarding efficacy and risks. Blood management partners optimal blood transfusion therapy with anemia management that incorporates nonblood strategies and techniques. A planned approach to anemia prevention, identification, and treatment can reduce the need for blood transfusion and improve patient outcomes. The use of pharmaceutical agents and tools to minimize blood loss also leads to blood transfusion reduction. Nurses play an integral role in affecting the use of alternatives to blood transfusion. Through assessment, communication, and an understanding of blood management strategies, nurses are patients' front-line innovators in promoting best practices.
authors.affiliation: Cleveland Clinic Health System-West Market, Cleveland, Ohio 44111, USA.
authors.forename: Deborah J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Tolich
mesh_terms: D000740:Anemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D016298:Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D016298:Hematopoietic Cell Growth Factors; D014815:Vitamins