Disclosure of Physician-Specific Behavior Improves Blood Utilization Protocol Adherence in Cardiac Surgery

This behavioral modification study covered 6 months at a single institution during which 144 pts underwent 510 transfusion events.  Cardiac surgeons agreed on a Hgb cutoff value of 8 as an indication for transfusion (massive transfusions were excluded).  Surgeons received weekly feedback as to their practice patterns.  Compared to baseline, feedback resulted in a 63% reduction in transfusions and an increase in single transfusions from 77% to 90%.