Blood transfusions in cancer patients: knowledge of nursing team

Abstract

Objectives: to assess the knowledge of nursing team professionals of a specialized hospital in oncology on transfusion practices and to identify factors associated with knowledge. Methods: observational, analytical, cross-sectional study held in a large and philanthropic Brazilian hospital, specialized in oncology. The unsystematic sample consisted of 61 nursing professionals who worked at the hospital. For data collection, researchers was used a validated tool of check list type. The descriptive statistics was held in the univariate analysis and the t-test and Pearson correlation in the bivariate analysis. Results: the average overall score of knowledge was 53.6%; in the pre-transfusion step it was 49.6%; in the transfusion step, 55.7% and in the post-transfusion step, 63.4%. Factors associated with knowledge included the participation in specific training courses on the subject, having post-graduate degrees, the search for information in the literature, the adoption or knowledge of any standard and/or guidelines related to the transfusion process, making use of the sector’s manual of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and number of participation in training courses. Conclusion: there was a general score of lack of knowledge in pre-transfusion and transfusion steps and a better understanding in the post-transfusion step. The findings reinforce the importance of investing in periodic training and implementation of continuous and permanent education, promoting the updating of knowledge of these professionals according to the guidelines and enabling them to play safe and quality care actions.