University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital: Case Study

Major academic medical center reduces blood utilization 29%, saves $3.5 million in 3 years while improving patient outcomes.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital (UABH) faced a 60% increase in blood use from 1997 to 2006. During the same period, blood collections fell far short of meeting the needs of the hospital and the state as a whole.  Consequently, UABH experienced increasing acquisition costs and challenges associated with purchasing blood from multiple vendors to maintain adequate supplies. As the fourth largest blood consumer in the country, the UABH staff was highly motivated to reduce blood utilization.  After internal attempts to accomplish this goal produced marginal results, UABH leaders realized that external expertise was needed to significantly reduce blood use.

Since engaging with Strategic Healthcare Group in 2007, UABH has experienced a complete turnaround in blood utilization. From 2007 to 2010, UABH achieved a 29% reduction in blood utilization and saved $3.5 million in blood costs. CEO Mike Waldrum, M.D. states, “From my perspective as a CEO and as a physician, it is hard to ignore an initiative that improves the bottom line and the quality of care.” He adds, “We have been extremely satisfied (with Strategic Healthcare Group). They look at blood use from a scientific perspective, which helps with changing behavior. Their approach is systematic and based in good science and logic.”

The senior leadership team was extremely satisfied with the speed and efficiency of the Strategic Blood Management™ System. Using an E4 Methodology- Evaluate, Educate, Engage & Empower- this accelerated change management process shifts the attitudes, behavior and culture of the organization toward better blood use within the first few months. UABH’s Senior Associate Vice President / COO Anthony Patterson says the seasoned team that Strategic Healthcare Group (SHG) brought in was key to their results. “The external assistance is needed—it takes a lot of time to build the expertise in your own institution. Strategic can translate all their learnings to your organization.”

“Using Strategic helped us tremendously. They bring a wealth of knowledge, skill and experience and apply it in context to the environment and culture of the organization. The approach is consistent in terms of the science, but they are very good at allowing the faculty and staff to assimilate the wealth of data. Another key element to their approach is how they use proven techniques of driving organizational change.  Now we have systematic approaches to monitoring blood transfusions against our standards, follow-up procedures to specific physicians when standards are not met, a dedicated member of the Chief of Staff office who focuses exclusively on blood management practices, and an organized approach to ensure nursing engagement with regard to blood management practices,” says Patterson.

Strategic Healthcare Group’s streamlined evaluation and comprehensive approach help clients maximize results within the first few months, and the sustainable approach with hardwired informatics tools keep the savings going for years down the road. Patterson says continuing education, frequent benchmarking reports, and online programs from Strategic Healthcare Group have kept UABH’s staff informed about their progress and motivated to make a difference. “We are being rewarded financially, but the real benefit is higher quality care,” Patterson concludes.

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