Trends in transfusion rates after the FOCUS trial.

Authors :: Howard DH
Roback JD
Murphy DJ
Source :: Journal of comparative effectiveness research [J Comp Eff Res] 2018 Feb; Vol. 7 (2), pp. 113-120. Date of Electronic Publication: 2018 Feb 21.
Publication Year :: 2018
Abstract: Aim: We estimate the impact of the FOCUS trial, which concluded that hip surgery patients with hemoglobin values above 8 g/dl do not benefit from routine transfusions, on transfusion rates.<br />Methods: We evaluated trends in transfusion rates using inpatient discharge data from four states.<br />Results: The transfusion rate was 5.2 percentage points lower in the fourth quarter of 2013 than it would have been had pre-FOCUS trends continued. Transfusion rates declined more in hospitals with a low end-of-life treatment intensity index, a general measure of treatment intensity.<br />Conclusion: The FOCUS trial affected practice, but there are additional opportunities to reduce the use of transfusions.