title: Evaluating the frequency of vital sign monitoring during blood transfusion: an evidence-based practice initiative.
abstract: Patients with cancer are often dependent on blood transfusions during treatment. Frequent vital sign monitoring during transfusions may interrupt sleep and the patient's ability to ambulate or participate in unit activities. Relying heavily on vital sign findings may also overshadow unmeasurable symptoms of transfusion reaction. The aim of this evidence-based practice initiative was to examine the evidence regarding the optimum frequency of vital sign monitoring for patients undergoing stem cell transplantation receiving blood products and to amend policy and practice to be consistent with the literature.  AT A GLANCE : Patients with cancer frequently require transfusion support during treatment.Inconsistencies exist in recommendations for the frequency of vital sign monitoring during transfusion.Examining best practice guidelines suggests that less frequent vital sign monitoring may be appropriate if coupled with thoughtful physiologic assessment.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: DeYoung Sullivan
authors.affiliation: University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
authors.forename: Truc
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Vu
authors.affiliation: University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
authors.forename: Goley
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.affiliation: University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
authors.forename: Estella
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Castillo
authors.affiliation: University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Martinez
mesh_terms: D001803:Blood Transfusion; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000097:blood*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D055986:Vital Signs
keywords: blood transfusions; evidence-based practice; frequency; vital sign monitoring