Blood Works: An Owner’s Guide subtitled What Every Person Needs to Know Before They are a Patient by Dr. Shannon Farmer, Dr. Irwin Gross, and Dr. Aryeh Shander explores the changing medical opinion on blood transfusions and discusses patient blood management. This is the evidence-based practice of maintaining the original blood in a patient’s body. The text investigates the history of blood transfusions, embracing shared decision-making while providing readers with case studies and relevant discoveries in the way blood is handled by medical professionals. The authors argue that this method of patient-involved treatment improves the outcome of most medical situations and shortens hospital stays, leading to better results for the patient. Providing timelines and a significant list of references, the authors cover many alternatives to blood transfusions for people of all ages.

Dr. Shannon Farmer, Dr. Irwin Gross, and Dr. Aryeh Shander empower their readers and enable them to make informed decisions about their blood and its management. The book gives readers the ability to advocate for themselves before, during, and after surgery and make informed decisions involving the management of blood. The authors are doctors who include contributions from a total of 48 global experts in blood health, including a former Director of Transfusion Services. This gives credibility to the text and the perspective from which the book was written. The text is complete with references, making it a perfect study companion. Blood Works is a great addition to any bookshelf, as it discusses ways readers can opt for the treatment that best fits their needs. They can also improve their health with the proper foods and supplements while becoming acquainted with the topic of patient blood management.