Knowledge of Blood Transfusion Among Nurses.

Abstract

Health care professionals' knowledge and skills are fundamental to developing and strengthening the quality of blood transfusion procedures. This study evaluated nurses' knowledge about blood transfusion. This descriptive cross-sectional study comprised 171 nurses in medical and surgical units and intensive care units in two hospitals. Data collection was completed in 2 months. Nurses' knowledge of blood transfusion practices was assessed using a questionnaire. Most had obtained a bachelor's degree in nursing, received in-service blood transfusion training, and demonstrated moderate levels of knowledge on the topic. The least known questions related to the changing of blood transfusion sets, the most frequent cause of blood transfusion reactions, and immunological blood transfusion reactions. New graduates or inexperienced nurses, those working in medical units, and those who did not often implement blood transfusions needed more support to improve their knowledge levels (p < .05). Nurses require in-service training to improve their knowledge of safe blood transfusion practices, specifically because blood transfusion sets are the most frequent cause of blood transfusion reactions and adverse reactions associated with blood transfusion. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2019;50(4):176-182.].