Optimizing Pre-Chemotherapy Anemia in Gynecologic Oncology (OPRA-2): A quality improvement initiative

Anemia is one of the most common yet preventable negative prognostic factors in patients with gynecologic cancers. This condition is defined by an insufficient number of red blood cells to meet the body’s oxygen-carrying requirements. Anemia prior to chemotherapy contributes to treatment delays, increases blood transfusion rates and reduces overall survival. Around 50% of patients are anemic before their first chemotherapy cycle, of which 20% will receive blood transfusions. The goal of this quality-improvement project is to establish the baseline characteristics of anemia in patients with gynecologic malignancies prior to chemotherapy at our institution and to implement a standardized bundle of care to improve screening for pre-chemotherapy anemia, streamline treatment algorithms and educate patients and clinicians on the importance of treating anemia prior to chemotherapy. The project aim is to increase the treatment rate of pre-chemotherapy anemia with intravenous iron and erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA) in patients with gynecologic malignancies and reduce unnecessary blood transfusion. Our project is aligned with the Canadian Blood Services’ Blood Efficiency Accelerator Program as it prioritizes appropriate utilization of blood products. Our project accelerates the application of existing knowledge around anemia management by integrating key concepts of alternative anemia management strategies to our standardized protocol.

VICUS, Danielle

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Blood Efficiency Accelerator Program

Ontario

$30,000