KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE ON BLOOD TRANSFUSION AMONG STAFF NURSES IN A SELECTED PRIVATE MEDICAL CENTRE, KLANG VALLEY

Abstract

Blood transfusion stands as a critical therapeutic measure applicable in a spectrum of medical situations, addressing bleeding disorders, accidents, surgeries, hematological diseases, and malignancies. The pivotal role of nurses in ensuring the safe and effective administration of blood transfusions cannot be overstated, particularly in minimizing the potential risks linked to transfusion reactions. This study is designed to assess the knowledge and practices of staff nurses at a designated medical center regarding the intricacies of blood transfusion administration. A hospital-based non-probability sampling method involved the distribution of a validated questionnaire among 80 staff nurses across specialized units and general wards. The objective was to comprehensively evaluate their knowledge and practices associated with blood transfusion. Statistical analyses, executed using SPSS software (version 25), included Cross Tabulation tests to scrutinize disparities in knowledge between general ward and specialized unit nurses. While the findings revealed satisfactory knowledge among staff nurses at the selected medical center concerning the blood transfusion process, deficiencies surfaced in their ability to handle complications and undertake related management. Notably, substantial differences in knowledge about blood transfusion were discerned between nurses in specialized units and those in general wards. This suggests an overall knowledge deficit among staff nurses, with noticeable variations across different working areas. The study underscores the imperative for targeted educational interventions aimed at augmenting nurses' comprehension and proficiency in administering blood transfusions. Such interventions hold the potential to bridge existing knowledge gaps, ensuring optimal patient outcomes and fostering a culture of safety in blood transfusion practices at the selected medical center.