Transfusion practice in anemic, non-bleeding patients: Cross-sectional survey of physicians working in general internal medicine teaching hospitals in Switzerland

BackgroundTransfusion practice might significantly influence patient morbidity and mortality. Between European countries, transfusion practice of red blood cells (RBC) greatly differs. Only sparse data are available on transfusion practice of general internal medicine physicians in Switzerland.MethodsIn this cross-sectional survey, physicians working in general medicine teaching hospitals in Switzerland were investigated regarding their self-reported transfusion practice in anemic patients without acute bleeding. The definition of anemia, transfusion triggers, knowledge on RBC transfusion, and implementation of guidelines were assessed.Results560 physicians of 71 hospitals (64%) responded to the survey. Anemia was defined at very diverging hemoglobin values (by 38% at a hemoglobin ConclusionThis study highlights the lack of adherence to current transfusion guidelines in Switzerland. Identifying and subsequently correcting this deficit in knowledge translation may have a significant impact on patient care.

背景：输血实践可显著影响患者的发病率与死亡率。欧洲各国间红细胞（RBC）的输血实践存在显著差异。目前针对瑞士普通内科医师输血实践的相关数据仍较为匮乏。方法：本横断面调查针对瑞士普通内科教学医院的医师开展，调研其对无急性出血的贫血患者的自我报告式输血实践，并评估了贫血定义、输血触发指征、红细胞输血相关知识以及指南的落实情况。结果：71家医院共560名医师参与了本次调查，应答率为64%。贫血的血红蛋白定义阈值差异极大，其中38%的医师以血红蛋白[原文未完整给出具体判定值]作为判定标准。结论：本研究凸显了瑞士当前临床实践对输血指南依从性不足的问题。明确并纠正知识转化领域的这一缺陷，或将对患者诊疗产生重大影响。