Data and metrics for patient blood management

Successful patient blood management (PBM) programs are reliant on data collection, analysis, and reporting, however, determining a starting point can be challenging. In particular, understanding the type of data to collect and how to report it. Trentino and colleagues undertook a literature review to provide a detailed, practical list of appropriate outcome metrics for hospital PBM programs, as well as the required data collection(s). Potential sources (hospital databases) for each data point were also described. Data elements were grouped into 3 levels of data collection: basic, intermediate, and advanced. 

 A total of 65 data elements from 7 source systems were identified and grouped into their most likely hospital database source: patient administration, laboratory, transfusion/blood bank, operating room, pharmacy, emergency department, and intensive care unit. The three most common metrics reported were: percentage of admissions transfused red blood cells, mean red blood cell units transfused (per patient or bed day), and mean hospital length of stay. Overall, a list of 36 PBM metrics was identified. In addition, this article is the feature for the journal’s monthly  infographic,  visually summarising the relevant outcome metrics needed to guide the development of PBM programs.  

The authors concluded the findings from this review can be applied to inform PBM programs in planning what data collection(s) are needed, where these data can be sourced from, and how they can be analysed. 

References: 

• Trentino, Kevin M et al. Data and Metrics for Patient Blood Management: A Narrative Review and Practical Guide. Anesthesia & Analgesia 141(5): p 942-949, November 2025. https://journals.lww.com/anesthesia-analgesia/fulltext/2025/11000/data_and_metrics_for_patient_blood_management__a.4.aspx  

Farmer, Shannon L and Hofmann, Axel. Data-Driven Change Starts with Data. Anesthesia & Analgesia 141(5): p 938-940, November 2025. https://journals.lww.com/anesthesia-analgesia/fulltext/2025/11000/data_driven_change_starts_with_data.2.aspx