Low-Titer O-Positive Whole Blood: Lessons From the Battlefield for Civilian Rural Hospitals

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

Incorporation of low-titer O-positive whole blood (LTOWB) into rural facilities not only directly benefits the patients and staff members but can also improve the overall trauma system of care by allowing for a seamless resuscitation strategy from point of injury until definitive care. Studies have consistently shown that the use of LTOWB is feasible, safe, and effective in the management of hemorrhagic shock in trauma patients, and it is now the standard of care in the military setting. The military’s success in using LTOWB has renewed the practice in the civilian setting, with recent research confirming its safety and efficacy. This article describes the benefits for patients, staff members, and the overall trauma system of using LTOWB in rural hospitals.

Objectives

Discuss the benefits of low-titer O-positive whole blood (LTOWB) compared to traditional blood component therapy.
Explain how LTOWB can be used effectively in the rural hospital setting.
Identify barriers to successful implementation of a LTOWB program in a rural setting.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Successful Completion

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation to be awarded contact hours AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for {contactHours} contact hours.

Disclosures

Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN, ANCC, or CBRN approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity. Activities with pharmacology hours are to assist the APRN in fulfilling the pharmacotherapeutic education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Activities meet the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your own state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting your certificate of completion.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.