How do you gain physician support?
It is challenging to change transfusion practice among physicians. The resistance is generally due to a lack of knowledge of the data supporting patient blood management. Although there is no one perfect solution, we will share some suggestions that have proven beneficial.
Generally, a physician champion will start building support among perhaps just a handful of colleagues at first, and as momentum builds, this often leads to the development of a Blood Management Program. It may then be this same physician champion who takes on the responsibility of Medical Director. Additionally, as noted above educational sessions are important, such as Grand Rounds, and we suggest inviting speakers who are well known in the field. SABM has a Speakers Bureau that can provide speakers. Educational sessions might be arranged as evening dinner presentations, and there may be other meetings that fit into your institutional culture. Several different venues should be considered so as to reach more individuals.
We encourage active participation with the Blood Utilization/Transfusion Committee. This committee carefully examines the circumstances under which blood is transfused and its clinical appropriateness. If it is determined that blood transfusions are being given without appropriate clinical support, or for reasons that are unclear (such as physician practice), this committee can assist in educating these physicians on appropriate blood management.