Assessing the potential for major trauma transfusion guidelines in the UK

Abstract

Background: Major trauma patients are invariably received in the emergency department by a combination of emergency department and trauma team staff. The initial assessment is largely protocol led, using Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) guidelines. The task of ordering and prescribing blood products often falls to the more junior members of this team.

Aim: The aim of this postal questionnaire survey was to quantify the use of transfusion guidelines for major trauma in the UK and to assess whether generic national guidelines might be beneficial.

Methods: A questionnaire was sent to all major emergency departments in the UK with an attendance >50 000 patients per year (total = 167). A reminder was sent to all non-responders. Each trust was asked whether guidelines are used; which blood products are specified; how useful they consider them to be; and how well they are adhered to.

Results: 109 questionnaires (65%) were returned, of which only 17 (16%) currently use major trauma transfusion guidelines. While few trusts currently use guidelines, those being used were found to be very similar. Each trust was asked how useful their guidelines are, using a linear score of 0 to 5 (mean score 3.7). Those without guidelines were asked how useful they thought major trauma guidelines would be (mean score 3.3).

Conclusion: The appropriate ordering and use of blood products has major clinical and cost implications. Few trusts currently have guidelines for major trauma despite being enthusiastic regarding their use. The authors propose there is now a role for national major trauma transfusion guidelines within the UK.