Project 463049

Blood transfusions are commonly given to patients during surgery. Although blood transfusions can be lifesaving, they can also cause serious side effects such as allergic reactions and infections. Research has shown that blood transfusions are often given unnecessarily to surgical patients. This exposes them to avoidable side effects, puts excess financial strain on the public healthcare system, and wastes a precious resource. Studies have also shown significant, unexplained, differences in how doctors decide to start a blood transfusion during surgery. Our research group intends to conduct a future clinical trial to determine the optimal conditions under which patients should receive a blood transfusion during surgery. This is an important research effort, as there is currently no agreed upon standard among doctors. The current research proposal will be used to reach consensus among doctors who are involved in transfusing blood during surgery. We will survey doctors using a "Delphi" technique to generate consensus on what should be the key components of a future clinical trial. Prior to initiating this research, we have done background work in reviewing the existing published research, interviewing surgical patients, and interviewing surgeons and anesthesiologists. The specific topics that will be addressed in this survey will include factors to consider prior to initiating a transfusion, how to best involve patients in these decisions, and what are the important elements to test and consider in our future clinical trial. This research will be extremely important as it will lay the foundation for a future international clinical trial that will change the way blood transfusions are given while patients are having surgery.