Implementation of Red Blood Cell Transfusion Recommendations in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Evidence demonstrates that the risks of red blood cell transfusions outweigh benefits in many patients who are hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit with increased risk of organ dysfunction, infection, delirium, and death. Recommendations have been developed to restrict transfusion in patients who are unlikely to benefit; however, these recommendations have not been consistently adopted into clinical practice. This study examines use of targeted efforts (implementation strategies) to improve implementation of the recommendations, with a goal of reducing unnecessary transfusions and improving patient outcomes in critically ill children.