What people are saying about Blood Works.

It is a rarity that any book on the human body or its varied complex organ systems can be written in such a way that it represents definitive state-of-the-science while also providing pragmatic applications thereof. In Blood Works: an Owner’s Guide, the authors succeed in doing just that.

This book clearly outlines how blood is an organ and this will potentially come with insufficiencies or failure as with any other of our body’s organ systems. An insufficiency or failure must be addressed in similar fashion to how we approach diseases of our other organs, such as our heart, our brain, our kidneys; i.e. etiologies must be identified and appropriate therapies/interventions utilized to preserve the patient’s own blood and hopefully return the patient to good health.

The authors confirm and affirm that blood is a precious fluid within our bodies and attention to it’s preservation is paramount. They adeptly merge the concept of blood health with current science and, most importantly, with the patient perspective in a comprehensive, yet unbelievably approachable way. Plain text, explanations and definitions are interwoven with easy-to-read, purpose-driven charts, figures and illustrations. The use of short synopses and key points at the beginning and end of each chapter help to solidify the extensive information and concepts and allows for ready retrieval for the reader. Several lists are provided with focused questions that patients should ask themselves and their care givers as part of the authors’ strong message regarding shared decision-making throughout the spectrum of care.

In my view, the most profound feature of this book, and what truly sets it apart, is the saliency it brings via the multiple patient stories. From the Forward by Dr. Farmer to the stories from around the globe, from patients both young and old, these shared experiences reflect the compassionate, humanistic touch we must strive for in Medicine today.

Blood Works: An Owner’s Guide is timely, indeed, and long-awaited by those of us steeped in the practice and principles of comprehensive Patient Blood Management. As mentioned in the WHO 2021 Policy Brief, billions of people are affected by anemia and millions more by bleeding disorders which contribute to the burden of poor health, resulting in serious adverse effects on quality of life. Healthcare providers and patients must embrace the evidence-based and narrative/humanistic-based concepts of Patient Blood Management which serve to achieve and maintain blood as the special organ system it is. As noted in the title of the book’s third chapter, blood is a patient’s own “river of life”. The authors wish us to respect this, support this and move to making blood health a part of our everyday lexicon.

This book is a “must-read”. I hope it causes a groundswell of PBM query and activity from patients and care-givers alike. My heartfelt thanks to the authors and their many contributors for bringing this book to the fore.

In very specific situations, a blood transfusion can be lifesaving. However, in most other situations, a blood transfusion adds significant risk to patient outcomes. This outstanding book, written in simple and easy to understand language, helps educate the public on these increased risks while providing evidence-based tools and solutions that can reduce or eliminate the risks associated with a transfusion. The use of patient stories compliments the learnings and helps drive home the pitfalls associated with blood transfusions.

As a national patient safety leader and cardiac anesthesiologist, I especially enjoyed reading the Patient Blood Management Toolbox For Your Surgery chapter.

Congratulations to the authors. This book and the tools shared in each of the chapters will help save patient lives.

‘Blood Works’ is a comprehensive and insightful resource on blood health written by world renowned experts in their field. This much-needed book offers in-depth but easily understood concepts on why we need to care about our blood. ‘Blood Works’ will be useful not only for the layman but also an excellent resource for nursing curriculums.

This unique and fascinating book serves as an owner’s manual for your blood, describing the amazing characteristics and functions served by this magical liquid. The world-renowned authors beautifully describe the concept of blood health, and how we should maintain and conserve our own blood, which is clearly superior to allogeneic transfusion with someone else’s blood. This is the best patient blood management (PBM) book ever written for the consumer.

This book is long overdue. To bring Patient Blood Management to every hospital and to every patient we need informed patients. Thank you for including chapter 10 on “If anyone needs to understand blood, its women” on the importance of Patient Blood Management for pregnant women and their infants.

Blood Works is an amazing book that recapitulates the fundamentals of Patient Blood Management (PBM), a conceptual revolution in contemporary medicine. Like PBM itself by definition, the book is focused on patients. It is written in a plain language, and near every chapter begins with the narration of the experiences of true patients. This original approach, along with the richness in historical notes and the scientific rigour, makes reading Blood’s Work an emotional and cultural journey that I definitely enjoyed. I hope this milestone book will contribute to PBM implementation all around the world, as recently recommended by the World Health Organization.

‘Blood Works: an Owner’s Guide’ is ideal for: specialists working in transfusion and transfusion-free medicine e.g. physicians in practice and in training, including any surgical discipline, internal medicine, ICU care or anesthesia, as well as prospective patients who may need to make a decision about blood transfusion.

This collection of acknowledged experts from around the world, drawing on well-researched sources and their own considerable experience and expertise, has yielded this major textbook on the paradigm shift in blood transfusion i.e. Patient Blood Management (PBM). Even those who think themselves familiar with the material will come away with new knowledge.

This book explains in easy-to-understand relevant format to laypersons and to physicians alike of the basics of PBM — why it is needed, how it can be done and how the patient can (and should be) at the centre of relevant decision-making. This book should be required reading for patients in whom transfusion has been suggested and in the library of all physicians who might be involved in a transfusion decision.

Clearly makes the case for alternative approaches to blood transfusions: the science is comprehensive, current and easy to follow, while the many patient anecdotes bring us back to the real world.

Chapters are accompanied by historical background, infographics, 90-second overviews at chapter beginnings and ends, and, importantly, questions that patients should ask their doctor. The clinical vignettes emphasize the value of alternatives to blood transfusion and the need for patient involvement is effectively emphasized throughout.

Blood Works is a game changer for patients, families and health care providers. I cannot put it down!

Some physicians may not see this as a textbook worthy of inclusion in curricula in the traditional sense, however, it is increasingly important that medical staff are capable of distilling complex ideas and information into simple terms that are relatable to the patient. If nothing else, this serves as a very worthy companion to medical professionals seeking support when carrying out patient conversations about how to manage their own blood supply.

Dear patient: Patient Blood Management (PBM) has the distinction of being the only field of medicine in which the title includes your name, and the definition includes your empowerment. With that in mind, it’s entirely fitting that the distinguished authors uphold the goals of PBM and honor you in the writing of this book.

“Blood Works” is written about you and FOR you. I strongly urge you to read it. The comprehensive content, excellent imagery, and fully accessible style result in a book that’s perfectly balanced to benefit the entire patient-provider relationship—it is a valuable resource for ALL. While I wish I’d had a copy to share with my patients and colleagues years ago, I’m glad to have it NOW.

This book gives every person interested in the fascinating world of blood, the insight and the words, to help them understand that most precious of commodities, the blood in our veins. Whether lay person, patient or healthcare worker, Blood Works is up-to-date with fascinating personal accounts complemented with the latest in scientific discovery. If my own experience is anything to go by, whoever reads it, will find it a book that draws one in and a book that is very hard to put down.