Why blood transfusions are often seen as bad medicine
Dr Simon Towler, an intensive care specialist, explains the limited evidence for their widespread use
Of all the low-value, unnecessary medical interventions, few outside the medical profession would think they would include blood transfusions.
But transfusions are on the Choosing Wisely hit list, along things like thyroid screening and X-rays for non-specific back pain.
Australian Doctor spoke to Dr Simon Towler, intensive care staff specialist at Fiona Stanley Hospital in WA, about the flimsy evidence base for their widespread use.
Australian Doctor: When did the evidence first emerge that blood transfusions may not always be useful? Is this an old issue?
