Evaluation of nurses' knowledge levels about blood transfusion applications

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge level of nurses about blood transfusion applications. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Material and Method: The study sample consisted of 189 nurses working in internal medicine and surgery units. Knowledge levels of nurses about blood transfusion practices were assessed using the Information Form on Blood Transfusion Practices. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 21.0 (Statistical Program for Social Sciences) program. Results: Average age of the sample group was 24.25 ± 3.34, 55% of them having a bachelor's degree in Nursing. The nurses had a total work experience of 45.62 ± 36.80months. 78.9% of the nurses received in-service training on blood transfusion. The total score average of the Evaluation Form of Knowledge Level on Blood Transfusion Practices was found to be 23.65 ± 4.13. Knowledge level of nurses were found to be lowest on how often blood transfusion sets should be replaced (n=147) (item 15), the most frequent cause of blood transfusion reactions (n=141) (item 18), and immunological blood transfusion reactions (n=130) (item 24). It was found that the knowledge level about blood transfusion applications differed according to age group, unit of work, total work experience, and frequency of blood transfusion applications of the nurses (p<0.05). Conclusion: Findings of the study indicate that nurses need in-service training in order to improve their knowledge levels about safe blood transfusion practices, specifically about the replacement of blood sets, blood reactions, and blood transfusion reactions. Keywords: Blood transfusion, level of knowledge, nurses