A revolutionary approach to patient safety

Patient Blood Management (PBM) is an innovative medical concept that was established by Prof. Dr. Dr. Kai Zacharowski and Prof. Dr. Patrick Meybohm in 2011 to improve patient safety during medical procedures by optimising the body’s own blood reserves. Globally recognised, PBM is used in numerous healthcare settings to improve outcomes for patients undergoing high-risk transfusion procedures.

The PBM approach is based on three main pillars

• Early diagnosis and treatment: early detection and treatment of existing anaemia prior to elective procedures with high transfusion risk.
• Minimisation of blood loss: Reduction of blood loss and use of blood-saving techniques during medical procedures.
• Rational use of blood products: Prudent use of blood products to ensure they are available when they are most needed, improving patient safety and quality of care.

Commitment to excellence

The introduction of PBM initiatives is on the rise worldwide. In Germany, PBM was first introduced at the university hospitals in Frankfurt, Bonn, Kiel and Münster. The founding of the German Network for Patient Blood Management has since inspired numerous other hospitals to join this transformative project. As a result, PBM has developed into an important quality indicator in German hospitals. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has been advocating the implementation of PBM in clinical practice since 2011, underlining its global importance.

PBM is committed to improving healthcare through safe, evidence-based practices. By strengthening the body’s own blood reserves and promoting patient-centred care, PBM improves the overall safety and effectiveness of medical treatments. This commitment to excellence ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care during their medical treatment.

Recognised for outstanding achievements

PBM has been honoured with several prestigious awards which reflect the commitment to patient safety and innovation in healthcare:

• Humanitarian Award of the Patient Safety Movement (2015)
• Prize of the Christoph Lohfert Foundation (2014)
• German Prize for Patient Safety (2016)

Innovations for the future

As part of its mission, PBM constantly endeavours to drive innovation and improve healthcare practices. By collaborating with medical professionals, researchers and healthcare organisations, PBM strives to develop new strategies and technologies that further improve patient safety and quality of care. The success of PBM is the result of the combined efforts of a dedicated network of healthcare professionals and institutions. Together they work towards a common goal: improving patient outcomes and setting new standards in medical care.