Optimising Bleeding Management for Improved Patient Outcomes
The delivery of surgical care, especially in traumatic cases, can be challenging for a number of reasons. One of the main difficulties is the clinical management of the situation, including the control of active bleeding.i Haemorrhage is responsible for 30-40% of trauma mortality worldwide,ii making it essential that first responders and surgical teams have the skills and tools to improve outcomes for these patients.
Implementing effective protocols
For practitioners involved in the provision of any procedure at risk of significant blood loss, it is crucial to be confident in patient blood management protocols. Wherever possible, the priority is to conserve and circulate the patient’s own blood, before resorting to transfusions.iii
In fact, there is strong evidence to show that blood conservation strategies are beneficial for patient outcomes in traumatic circumstances. This should incorporate a multidisciplinary approach and early control of bleeding.iv However, even best practice guidelines do recognise the challenges that professionals face in achieving this, which include variations in healthcare governance and limitations in blood supply.
Further researchv found a combination of individual, social and environmental barriers to effective bleeding management among cardiac surgeons, anaesthetists and perfusionists. It highlights the importance of confidence in their clinical skills relevant to the field, adequate organisational support and standardisation of protocols.
To achieve this, professional teams need access to the right equipment and materials that will facilitate effective bleeding management.
Clinically-proven solutions
Introducing the WoundClot™ portfolio of haemostatic solutions, now available from Getz Healthcare in Australia and New Zealand. These products are designed specifically to minimise bleeding quickly and efficiently, using multiple modes of action – fluid absorption, adherence to the wound, aggregation of platelets and clotting factors.
The haemostatic gauze, made from cellulose, is the only non-oxidised, non-regenerated cellulose structure available. Unlike mineral-and chitosan-based alternatives, WoundClot™ works without any manual pressure and achieves complete absorption by the body in just 7-14 days, offering the fastest bio-resorption profile among surgical haemostatics.
WoundClot™ can absorb up to 25 times its initial weight in blood and remains active for 24 hours. It is available in two versions:
- WoundClot™ Surgical: Designed for use in various surgical procedures.
- WoundClot™ Trauma: Specifically tailored for emergency and trauma situations.
Both are quick and easy to apply, requiring minimal training for healthcare staff to use confidently and effectively.
To learn more about WoundClot™ visit the website or contact the Getz Healthcare team for more details.
iCurtis K, Gabbe B, Vallmuur K, Martin K, Nahidi S, Shaban RZ, Pollard C, Christey G. Challenges to trauma care delivery for Australian and New Zealand trauma clinicians. Injury. 2020 May;51(5):1183-1188. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2020.01.003. Epub 2020 Jan 7. PMID: 31926611.
iiKauvar DS, Lefering R, Wade CE. Impact of hemorrhage on trauma outcome: an overview of epidemiology, clinical presentations, and therapeutic considerations. J Trauma. 2006 Jun;60(6 Suppl):S3-11. doi: 10.1097/01.ta.0000199961.02677.19. PMID: 16763478.
iiiWhat is patient blood management. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare. https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/national-priorities/pbm-collaborative/what-is-patient-blood-management [Accessed July 2024]
ivNational Blood Authority. Patient blood management guideline for adults with critical bleeding. 2023. https://www.blood.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2024-06/pbm-guideline-adults-with-critical-bleeding.pdf [Accessed July 2024]
vPearse BL, Keogh S, Rickard CM, Fung YL. Barriers and facilitators to implementing evidence based bleeding management in Australian Cardiac Surgery Units: a qualitative interview study analysed with the theoretical domains framework and COM-B model. BMC Health Serv Res. 2021 Jun 5;21(1):550. doi: 10.1186/s12913-021-06269-8. PMID: 34090421; PMCID: PMC8178922.