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The overall educational goal of the PET program is to update health care professionals' knowledge of transfusion therapy. Specifically, the program aims to:
- explain the history of transfusion and forces shaping the future direction of transfusion medicine,
- describe the current risks of transfusion and strides made to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections
- apply concepts of critical oxygen delivery and oxygen deficit to the transfusion decision,
- describe the advantages of implementing a blood conservation program and the role of a blood utilization committee as an integral part of an optimal transfusion practice,
- discuss techniques used during and after surgery to maximize blood conservation and outcomes of the medical center's blood conservation program in cardiac surgery, and
- specify concepts learned from the avoidance of transfusion in the care of Jehovah's Witnesses.
According to Susan D. Roseff, MD, and Co-Director of the PET Project, "This program is for anyone involved in transfusion medicine. The risks associated with transfusion have changed over the years, and as health care professionals we are obligated to understand and reduce these evolving risks." Dr. Roseff named three key areas of concern for practicing modern transfusion medicine:
- modulating the immune response in the recipient,
- anticipating and managing inflammatory responses to blood products, and
- in light of rising costs and increasing demands for blood products, ensure we use this resource very wisely.
"I am very grateful for Dr. Bruce D. Spiess, Co-Director of the PET Project and his ceaseless advocacy for blood reduction. The conference on September 9, is being sponsored by VCU Medical Center and reflects our institution's concern for providing the best care for our patients."
Questions can be sent to Mary Jane Michael, RN, MSN, Coordinator of the Blood Management PET Program, at (804) 828-5599, or by email to PETproject@vcu.edu.
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Susan D. Roseff, MD
Associate Professor of Pathology
Medical Director, Transfusion Medicine
Co-Director, PET Project
PET Contact Information:
Office: (804) 828-5599
click here for brochure (pdf)
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