Controlling Phlebotomy Volume Diminishes PICU Transfusion: Implementation Processes and Impact

Clinical and Analytic Accuracy of Simultaneously Acquired Hemoglobin Measurements: A Multi-Institution Cohort Study to Minimize Redundant Laboratory Usage

OBJECTIVES

Frequent diagnostic blood sampling contributes to anemia among critically ill children. Reducing duplicative hemoglobin testing while maintaining clinical accuracy can improve patient care efficacy. The objective of this study was to determine the analytical and clinical accuracy of simultaneously acquired hemoglobin measurements with different methods.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Two U.S. children's hospitals.

PATIENTS

Children (< 18 yr old) admitted to the PICU.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We identified hemoglobin results from complete blood count (CBC) panels paired with blood gas (BG) panels and point-of-care (POC) devices. We estimated analytic accuracy by comparing hemoglobin distributions, correlation coefficients, and Bland-Altman bias. We measured clinical accuracy with error grid analysis and defined mismatch zones as low, medium, or high risk-based on deviance from unity and risk of therapeutic error. We calculated pairwise agreement to a binary decision to transfuse based on a hemoglobin value. Our cohort includes 49,004 ICU admissions from 29,926 patients, resulting in 85,757 CBC-BG hemoglobin pairs. BG hemoglobin was significantly higher (mean bias, 0.43-0.58 g/dL) than CBC hemoglobin with similar Pearson correlation ( R2 ) (0.90-0.91). POC hemoglobin was also significantly higher, but of lower magnitude (mean bias, 0.14 g/dL). Error grid analysis revealed only 78 (< 0.1%) CBC-BG hemoglobin pairs in the high-risk zone. For CBC-BG hemoglobin pairs, at a BG hemoglobin cutoff of greater than 8.0 g/dL, the "number needed to miss" a CBC hemoglobin less than 7 g/dL was 275 and 474 at each institution, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this pragmatic two-institution cohort of greater than 29,000 patients, we show similar clinical and analytic accuracy of CBC and BG hemoglobin. Although BG hemoglobin values are higher than CBC hemoglobin values, the small magnitude is unlikely to be clinically significant. Application of these findings may reduce duplicative testing and decrease anemia among critically ill children.

Impact of Phlebotomy Volume Knowledge on Provider Laboratory Ordering and Transfusion Practices in the Pediatric Cardiac ICU

OBJECTIVES

Phlebotomy can account for significant blood loss in post-surgical pediatric cardiac patients. We investigated the effectiveness of a phlebotomy volume display in the electronic medical record (EMR) to decrease laboratory sampling and blood transfusions. Cost analysis was performed.

DESIGN

This is a prospective interrupted time series quality improvement study. Cross-sectional surveys were administered to medical personnel pre- and post-intervention.

SETTING

The study was conducted in a 19-bed cardiac ICU (CICU) at a Children's hospital.

PATIENTS

One hundred nine post-surgical pediatric cardiac patients weighing 10 kg or less with an ICU stay of 30 days or less were included.

INTERVENTIONS

We implemented a phlebotomy volume display in the intake and output section of the EMR along with a calculated maximal phlebotomy volume display based on 3% of patient total blood volume as a reference.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Providers poorly estimated phlebotomy volume regardless of role, practice setting, or years in practice. Only 12% of providers reported the availability of laboratory sampling volume. After implementation of the phlebotomy display, there was a reduction in mean laboratories drawn per patient per day from 9.5 to 2.5 ( p = 0.005) and single electrolytes draw per patient over the CICU stay from 6.1 to 1.6 ( p = 0.016). After implementation of the reference display, mean phlebotomy volume per patient over the CICU stay decreased from 30.9 to 14.4 mL ( p = 0.038). Blood transfusion volume did not decrease. CICU length of stay, intubation time, number of reintubations, and infections rates did not increase. Nearly all CICU personnel supported the use of the display. The financial cost of laboratory studies per patient has a downward trend and decreased for hemoglobin studies and electrolytes per patient after the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Providers may not readily have access to phlebotomy volume requirements for laboratories, and most estimate phlebotomy volumes inaccurately. A well-designed phlebotomy display in the EMR can reduce laboratory sampling and associated costs in the pediatric CICU without an increase in adverse patient outcomes.

Patient blood management in critically ill children undergoing cardiac surgery: A cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to audit current patient blood management practice in children throughout cardiac surgery and paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission.

DESIGN

This was a prospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

This was a single-centre study in the cardiac operating room (OR) and PICU in a major tertiary children's hospital in Australia.

PATIENTS

Children undergoing corrective cardiac surgery and requiring admission to PICU for postoperative recovery were included in the study.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Fifty-six patients and 1779 blood sampling episodes were audited over a 7-month period. The median age was 9 months (interquartile range [IQR] = 1-102), with the majority (n = 30 [54%]) younger than 12 months. The median number of blood sampling episodes per patient per day was 6.6 (IQR = 5.8-8.0) in total, with a median of 5.0 (IQR = 4.0-7.5) episodes in the OR and 5.0 (IQR = 3.4-6.2) episodes per day throughout PICU admission. The most common reason for blood tests across both OR and PICU settings was arterial blood gas analysis (total median = 86%, IQR = 79-96). The overall median blood sampling volume per kg of bodyweight, patient, and day was 0.63 mL (IQR = 0.20-1.14) in total. Median blood loss for each patient was 3.5 mL/kg per patient per day (IQR = 1.7-5.6) with negligible amounts in the OR and a median of 3.6 mL/kg (IQR = 1.7-5.7) in the PICU. The median Cell Saver® transfusion volume was 9.9 mL/kg per patient per day (IQR = 4.0-19.1) in the OR. The overall median volume of other infusion products (albumin 4%, albumin 20%, packed red blood cells) received by each patient was 20.1 mL/kg (IQR = 10.7-36.4) per day. Sampling events and blood loss were positively associated with PICU stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient blood management practices observed in this study largely conform to National Blood Authority guidelines. Further implementation projects and research are needed to accelerate implementation of known effective blood conservation strategies within paediatric critical care environments.

Strategies to Reduce Diagnostic Blood Loss and Anemia in Hospitalized Patients: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVES

Blood sampling is a recognized contributor to hospital-acquired anemia. We aimed to bundle all published neonatal, pediatric, and adult data regarding clinical interventions to reduce diagnostic blood loss.

DATA SOURCES

Four electronic databases were searched for eligible studies from inception until May 2021.

STUDY SELECTION

Two reviewers independently selected studies, using predefined criteria.

DATA EXTRACTION

One author extracted data, including study design, population, period, intervention type and comparator, and outcome variables (diagnostic blood volume and frequency, anemia, and transfusion).

DATA SYNTHESIS

Of 16,132 articles identified, we included 39 trials; 12 (31%) were randomized controlled trials. Among six types of interventions, 27 (69%) studies were conducted in adult patients, six (15%) in children, and six (15%) in neonates. Overall results were heterogeneous. Most studies targeted a transfusion reduction ( n = 28; 72%), followed by reduced blood loss ( n = 24; 62%) and test frequency ( n = 15; 38%). Small volume blood tubes ( n = 7) and blood conservation devices ( n = 9) lead to a significant reduction of blood loss in adults (8/9) and less transfusion of adults (5/8) and neonates (1/1). Point-of-care testing ( n = 6) effectively reduced blood loss (4/4) and transfusion (4/6) in neonates and adults. Bundles including staff education and protocols reduced blood test frequency and volume in adults (7/7) and children (5/5).

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence on interventions to reduce diagnostic blood loss and associated complications is highly heterogeneous. Blood conservation devices and smaller tubes appear effective in adults, whereas point-of-care testing and bundled interventions including protocols and teaching seem promising in adults and children.

Impact of Blood Sampling on Anemia in the PICU: A Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Fifty percent of children are anemic after a critical illness. Iatrogenic blood testing may be a contributor to this problem. The objectives of this study were to describe blood sampling practice in a PICU, determine patient factors associated with increased sampling, and examine the association among blood sampling volume, anemia at PICU discharge, and change in hemoglobin from PICU entry to PICU discharge.

DESIGN

Prospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

PICU of Sainte-Justine University Hospital.

PATIENTS

All children consecutively admitted during a 4-month period.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Four hundred twenty-three children were enrolled. Mean blood volume sampled was 3.9 (±19) mL/kg/stay, of which 26% was discarded volume. Children with central venous or arterial access were sampled more than those without access (p < 0.05). Children with sepsis, shock, or cardiac surgery were most sampled, those with a primary respiratory diagnosis; the least (p < 0.001). We detected a strong association between blood sample volume and mechanical ventilation (H, 81.35; p < 0.0001), but no association with severity of illness (Worst Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction score) (R, -0.044; p = 0.43). Multivariate analysis (n = 314) showed a significant association between the volume of blood sampled (as continuous variable) and anemia at discharge (adjusted OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.18-2.45; p = 0.003). We lacked power to detect an association between blood sampling and change in hemoglobin from PICU admission to PICU discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic blood sampling in PICU is associated with anemia at discharge. Twenty-five percent of blood losses from sampling is wasted. Volumes are highest for patients with sepsis, shock, or cardiac surgery, and in patients with vascular access or ventilatory support.

Hypokalemia Measurement and Management in Patients With Status Asthmaticus on Continuous Albuterol

OBJECTIVE

Status asthmaticus is commonly treated in pediatric patients by using continuous albuterol, which can cause hypokalemia. The primary aim of this study was to determine if serial potassium monitoring is necessary by examining treatment frequency of hypokalemia.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis was performed in 185 pediatric patients admitted with status asthmaticus requiring continuous albuterol between 2017 and 2019. All patients were placed on intravenous fluids containing potassium. The primary outcome measure was the treatment of hypokalemia in relation to the number of laboratory draws for potassium levels. The secondary outcome measure was hypokalemia frequency and relation to the duration and initial dose of continuous albuterol.

RESULTS

Included were 156 patients with 420 laboratory draws (average, 2.7 per patient) for potassium levels. The median lowest potassium level was 3.40 mmol/L (interquartile range, 3.2-3.7). No correlation was found between initial albuterol dose and lowest potassium level (P = .52). Patients with hypokalemia had a mean albuterol time of 12.32 (SD, 15.76) hours, whereas patients without hypokalemia had a mean albuterol time of 11.50 (SD, 12.53) hours (P = .29). Potassium levels were treated 13 separate times.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of laboratory draws for potassium levels was high in our cohort, with few patients receiving treatment for hypokalemia beyond the potassium routinely added to maintenance fluids. Length of time on albuterol and dose of albuterol were not shown to increase the risk of hypokalemia. Serial laboratory measurements may be decreased to potentially reduce health care costs, pain, and anxiety surrounding needlesticks.

Provider perspectives on beta-lactam therapeutic drug monitoring programs in the critically ill: a protocol for a multicenter mixed-methods study

Background

Beta-lactams (i.e., penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, monobactams) are the most widely used class of antibiotics in critically ill patients. There is substantial interpatient variability in beta-lactam pharmacokinetics which renders their effectiveness and safety largely unpredictable. One strategy to ensure achievement of therapeutic concentrations is drug level testing (“therapeutic drug monitoring”; TDM). While studies have suggested promise with beta-lactam TDM, it is not yet widely available or implemented. This protocol presents a mixed-methods study designed to examine healthcare practitioners’ perspectives on the use and implementation of beta-lactam TDM in the critically ill.

Methods

An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design will be used [QUANT → qual]. First, quantitative data will be collected through a web-based questionnaire directed at clinicians at three academic medical centers at different phases of beta-lactam TDM implementation (not yet implemented, partially implemented, fully implemented). The sampling frame will include providers from a variety of disciplines that interact with drug level testing and interpretation in the critical care environment including pharmacists, intensivists, infectious diseases experts, medical/surgical trainees, and advanced practice providers. Second, approximately 30 individuals will be purposively sampled from survey respondents to conduct in-depth qualitative interviews to explain and expand upon the results from the quantitative strand. Normalization Process Theory and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Science will be used to guide data analysis.

Discussion

These data will be used to answer two specific questions: “What are ICU practitioners’ perspectives on implementing beta-lactam TDM?” and “What factors contribute to the success of beta-lactam TDM program implementation?” Results of this study will be used to design future implementation strategies for beta-lactam TDM programs in the critically ill.

Trial registration

NCT04755777.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43058-021-00134-9.

Engaging residents to choose wisely: Resident Doctors of Canada resource stewardship recommendations

BACKGROUND

Resident doctors are integral to healthcare delivery in Canada. Engaging residents in resource stewardship is important for professional development, but also as they are drivers of healthcare resource use. To date, no national resident-specific resource stewardship guideline has been developed. Resident Doctors of Canada (RDoC) in collaboration with Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC) sought to develop an evidence-informed, consensus-based list of five recommendations to promote resource stewardship.

METHODS

RDoC convened a taskforce with diverse geographic and specialty representation to develop candidate recommendations targeting resident resource stewardship behaviours using a consensus-based process, supported by a literature review. Residents across the country provided feedback on the candidate recommendations via an online questionnaire. The taskforce used this feedback to finalize the list.

RESULTS

The taskforce prepared 28 candidate recommendations for consideration. A detailed literature review and consensus process narrowed this list to 12 candidate recommendations for consultation. A total of 754 residents (754/10,068 residents = 7.5%) representing all provinces and levels of residency training reviewed and ranked the candidate recommendations. The highest-ranked recommendations comprised the final list.

CONCLUSION

Resident doctors are willing and able to demonstrate leadership in advancing resource stewardship by the development of a national resident-specific list of Choosing Wisely Canada recommendations.

Development of a Structured Outcomes Assessment and Implementation Program in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

This article reports on the Outcomes Program (OP) that the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) developed to (1) monitor unit-based outcomes trends and safety data, (2) systematically identify targets for process improvement, and (3) implement new projects and care protocols with the aim of improving patient care. Following development of the OP structure in 2013, the authors have coordinated the components of outcomes data and reporting, clinical performance review, outcomes committee, knowledge translation, and implementation science programs to impact practice. Through routine provider updates, educational strategies, and prioritization of focused projects that include structured implementation plans, the model of PICU care has been improved. Described herein is the development of the process to evaluate intensive care unit outcomes and address the need for programmatic change through implementation science principles. Such a process may be of use in other PICUs.

Can variable practice habits and injection port dead-volume put patients at risk?

Injection ports used to administer medications and draw blood samples have inherent dead-volume. This volume can potentially lead to inadvertent drug administration, contribute to erroneous laboratory values by dilution of blood samples, and increase the risk of vascular air embolism. We sought to characterize provider practice in management of intravenous (IV) and arterial lines and measure dead-volumes of various injection ports. A survey was circulated to anesthesiology physicians and nurses to determine practice habits when administering medications and drawing blood samples. Dead-volume of one and four-way injection ports was determined by injecting methylene blue to simulate medication administration or blood sample aspiration and using absorption spectroscopy to measure sample concentration. Among the 65 survey respondents, most (64.52%) increase mainstream flow rate to flush medication given by a 1-way injection port. When using 4-way stopcocks, 56.45% flush through the same injection site. To obtain a sample from an arterial line, 67.74% draw back blood and collect the sample from the same 4-way stopcock; 32.26% use a different stopcock. Mean (SD) dead-volume in microliters ranged from 0.1 (0.0) to 5.6 (1.0) in 1-way injection ports and from 54.1 (2.8) to 126.5 (8.3) in 4-way injection ports. The practices of our providers when giving medications and drawing blood samples are variable. The dead-volume associated with injection ports used at our institution may be clinically significant, increasing errors in medication delivery and laboratory analysis.