Implementation of a hospital-wide massive transfusion protocol at a tertiary cancer center.
Authors: Taylor Jolyn Sharpe , Beno Jeff , Cortes Jose , Gumban Daryl , Berrios Jasmin , Gaeta Maria Susan Susan , Herrington Rhea , Ford Ryan , Grami Petra , Knopfelmacher Couchonal Adriana Maria , Martinez Fernando , Aung Fleur M. , Wegner Robert , Tsai January , Crommett John , Villamin Colleen 
Published: October 2023

440

Background: Massive Transfusion Protocol (MTP) is a term used to describe a process to deliver blood products rapidly to treat life-threatening hemorrhage. MTPs follow a prescribed algorithm to efficiently replace blood products in set ratios. Three components of MTP include immediate availability of blood products, set types and ratios of blood products, and standardized roles for health care providers. MTP is associated with decreased morbidity and mortality compared to provider-driven decisions on blood transfusion. Methods: The Quality Improvement Assessment Board approved this initiative to standardize and create an MTP process outside of the Operating Room (OR). We assembled a multidisciplinary team to review and adopt evidence-based practices for MTP. A core group of content experts developed the relevant policy and protocol for activation and use of MTP in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Emergency Room (ER), Interventional Radiology (IR) and inpatient floor. Simulations were held in these areas and Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) cycles used to improve the processes. Improvements included adjustment to the quantity and type of emergency release products immediately available, the timing of when platelets were delivered to providers and development of a ‘pull’ process for the Blood Bank to prepare additional blood products minimizing wastage. Following these changes, the MTP process became consistent and could be activated from all of the targeted locations. Each MTP episode was reviewed for outcomes and efficiency metrics. We held multidisciplinary care debriefings to review hemorrhagic events for areas of improvement. The OR had an existing process that was separate from this initiative, but will be aligned June 2023 and included in future analysis. Results: Baseline, from January 2022 to September 2022, 32 massive transfusion events occurred (3.5 per month). After implementation of the MTP protocol, from October 2022 to May 2023, the MTP protocol was activated 36 times (4.5 per month). There were 7 (22%) deaths at baseline and 5 (14%) after implementation. The average length of time from activation to receipt of first blood product was 26 minutes at baseline and 25 minutes with MTP. The average number of units administered at baseline included 7.7 units of red blood cells (RBC), 7.6 units fresh frozen plasma (FFP), 1 unit single donor platelets, and 2 units cryoprecipitate compared to after implementation of 6.9 units RBC, 6 units FFP, 1.6 units single donor platelets, and 3 units cryoprecipitate. The ICU was the most common MTP activation location (44%), followed by ER (19%), PICU (17%), the floor (14%) and IR (6%). Conclusions: It is feasible and safe to deploy an MTP throughout an institution. Preliminary data show a decrease in the percentage of patient deaths with use of MTP. Additional analysis are planned to evaluate the incremental improvements made with each PDSA cycle.