KNOWLEDGE OF BLOOD TRANSFUSION AMONG NURSES AND MEDICAL TECHNICIANS

Abstract

Introduction: In blood transfusion, nurses and medical technicians play a key role in ensuring patient safety by performing identification, compatibility and vital parameter monitoring procedures as well as providing support and education to patients. Their contribution is crucial for achieving high standards of medical care and improving medical treatment outcomes.

Objective: To assess the level of knowledge amongst nurses and medical technicians with regards to safe and proper application of transfusion therapy.

Participants and Methods: This research was conducted as a cross-section descriptive-analytical study with the aim of assessing knowledge of routine blood transfusion among three groups of nurses and medical technicians, and analyzing differences in their results. The sample consisted of three target groups of nurses and medical technicians studying at the Faculty of Health Studies (of the University Clinical Hospital Mostar, the Cantonal Hospital Dr. "Safet Mujić" Mostar and the County Hospital "Dr. fra Mihovil Sučić" Livno). A modified version of the RBTKQ questionnaire was used for the research.  The questionnaire consists of 6 sections and 49 items. Descriptive and inferential statistical measures were used, including frequencies and percentages, normality distribution tests, as well as the Mann Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test, with results evaluated at both levels of significance.

Results: The analysis of nurses' and medical technicians knowledge on blood transfusion indicates an average level of 77.4%, with notable variation among participants. These findings underscored the need for more intensive education particularly in recognizing symptoms and responding to serious complications. Additionally, statistically significant differences between male and female participants, as well as participants from different institutions and qualifications, highlight specific areas where overall improvement of nurses' and medical technicians knowledge in these domains require focus.
Conclusion: Lack of knowledge in recognizing the causes of fatal transfusion reactions, especially patient identification errors, compromises patient safety during transfusions, emphasizing the urgent need to improve education of nurses and medical technicians in this area.