Education on blood donation and transfusion from the perspective of a state university extension project

Abstract

Introduction: The extension project “Permanent education on transfusion therapy: promoting better care from donor to recipient” is aimsto impactthe learning processon safe blood donation and transfusion througheducation, social and cultural influences on students and health professionals, as well ason the community.Objective: To promote educational activities and toolsrelated tosafe blood donation and transfusion.Methodology: Dissemination of information about blood donation and transfusion topics through social media, educational activities,including other extension projects,andconversation circles were planned. Indicators, such as the number of posts on social media, number of people reached,and events heldfrom March 2021 to August 2022, were considered for quantitative analysis.Results: Thirty-six posts on the project’s Instagramfeed reached 270 people. Two events were registered at the University Extension Department and were executed. A conversation circle about blood donation in the context of the LGBTQIA+ community attracted 19 participants and a multidisciplinary team. One action for the “World Blood Donor Day”, contributed to a 54% increase in the number of candidates for donation tothe blood bank at Pedro Ernesto University Hospital, compared to the previous year. There was a discussion on refusal to receive transfusion based on the book “The Children Act”, by Ian McEwan,involving another extension project called “CangaLiterária”.Conclusion: The extension projects play an important roleineducation andallowed the inclusion of content that isnot part ofthe medical syllabus, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge.