Tranexamic acid use during Anesthesia for total joint replacements in Calgary
Does the use of intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) by Calgary anesthesiologists during total knee and hip replacement procedures affect blood transfusion rates in the 72 hours following surgery?
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Anesthesiology, Orthopedic Surgery
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Choosing Wisely Canada Recommendation
Background & Aim
Intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) is used in a number of different types of surgeries to reduce blood loss and the need for transfusions. Literature and a local practice protocol support the use of TXA in total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA). Calgary anesthesiologists perceive that there is practice variation in the administration of TXA in THA and TKA.
This project aims to provide the anesthesiologists with:
data on their use of IV TXA in THA and TKA
patient outcomes surrounding the rate of post-operative RBC transfusions
audit-and-feedback intervention
South Health Campus Hospital anesethesiologists received their individual data reports with peer comparator. Site-level data showed variation in the frequency and dose of TXA adminstered
Use of IV TXA from Jan 1, 2014 - Jun 30, 2015 at South Health Campus Hospital
Tranexamic acid use during total knee replacement surgery at South Health Campus Jan 1, 2014-Jun 30, 2015 (n=844)
Patient outcomes within 72-hours following surgery
Knowledge Translation
At the facilitated feedback session, South Health Calgary Hospital anesthesiologists identified barriers and actions and three key themes:
The Physician Learning Program is supporting anesthesiologists by helping generate repeat reports to surgeons and anesthesiologists.
