Implementing Patient Blood Management in major digestive surgery: should we do more?

Abstract

There is evidence of decoupling between top-down directives/guidelines and real-life data regarding the implementation of Patient Blood Management (PBM) programs in Italy. This letter suggests that bottom-up initiatives should be stimulated through the diffusion of the culture of PBM, while funding from the health authorities is needed to facilitate audit and benchmarking of the implementation process.