Several case studies related to a blood utilization analysis from Premier show hospitals can save millions by streamlining and decreasing their blood usage.
The recent analysis involved data from 645 facilities based in 45 states, representing more than 27 million inpatient discharges from 2011-June 2016. First published in 2012, the comprehensive blood utilization analysis highlights where hospitals can save money by reducing usage while keeping the same level of positive patient outcomes.
Premier spotlighted three hospitals in showing how diminished blood usage can positively impact a hospital's bottom line. It's a costly resource, with blood transfusions costing roughly $1,000 per unit, including both direct and indirect costs.
First, Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois generated two million in savings over two years by decreasing the number of blood transfusions administered by 35 percent.
Mercy Health in Cincinnati achieved $6.2 million in savings by conserving red blood cell, platelet, plasma and cryo use, with 70 percent of the savings resulting from reduced blood use. The savings includes reduction efforts in both inpatient and outpatient facilities over a three-year period, Premier said.
BayCare Health System in Tampa, Florida saw a 54 percent decrease in red blood cell use, which means more than 58,000 units saved.
"While the focus of this effort has been devoted to improving the quality of care, BayCare has also been able to significantly reduce spending on blood," Premier said.
The most recent analysis found a 20 percent decrease in blood utilization across 134 diagnoses that accounted for 80 percent of red blood cell use, showing significant provider effort to reduce usage. Unnecessary usage can hinder the quality of care and increase the likelihood of such adverse events as allergic reaction, fever, lung injury and iron overload. They have also been linked to increased risk of morbidity and mortality.
"When compared with quality data, trends suggest that reduced blood utilization didn't negatively impact patient outcomes – as rates of mortality, complications and readmissions also fell," Premier said.
Twitter: @BethJSanborn