Transfusion Practices Among Hematology/Oncology Healthcare Professionals

Introduction/Background: There are no evidence-based guidelines for optimal transfusion practices for patients undergoing chemotherapy and stem cell transplant. There are minimal low-quality studies regarding transfusion thresholds as well as the efficacy of pre-transfusion medications (to reduce febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions) for these patients. To pursue a prospective quality improvement study, it is important to know the current transfusion standards used by practitioners regarding: 1) transfusion thresholds for platelets and red blood cells and 2) routine use of pre medications prior to transfusions. Additional research questions included differences in the above standards by region or by pediatrics vs. adult providers. Study Design and Methods: Expedited IRB approval was obtained. We conducted a REDCap survey from 3/1/18-4/12/18 targeting hematology oncology providers of both pediatric and adult providers. The survey was emailed through multiple databases with members form several countries that included both adult and pediatric hematology/oncology practitioners. Results: One hundred and nineteen hematology/oncology practitioners completed the survey: 94 attending physicians, 19 fellows and 6 nurse practitioners. Most respondents practiced in United States (90 %, 107/119), the rest practiced in Canada, India, Italy and Iran. The majority of participants were pediatric hematology/oncology providers (84 %, 100/119). Of the remaining providers 10 treated only adults and 9 treated both adults and children. The vast majority (97%, 115/119) of participants did not utilize a standard policy for premedication prior to red blood cell transfusions. Similarly, 95 % (111/117) or participants made individual decisions on premedication with platelet transfusions rather than using an institutional policy. When asked about the threshold to transfuse blood products, 71% (75/105) of those who treated patients undergoing chemotherapy said they would transfuse red blood cells when patients had a hemoglobin of