The awareness of medical staff of hospitals in Shiraz about transfusion medicine and the impact of education

The knowledge of physicians and nurses concerning blood transfusion has a significant impact on the optimal use of blood and blood products. The aim was to survey their knowledge regarding transfusion medicine and the effect of education thereof. An interventional semi-experimental study was conducted on physicians and nurses who worked in Shiraz hospitals. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics, previous education records, and their experience regarding blood transfusion, transfusion indications, blood administration, and adverse reactions. The mean knowledge of the participants before and after education was calculated. T test, Pair T test, and Chi-squared test were used for data analysis with SPSS 18. The mean knowledge scores of physicians and nurses regarding transfusion medicine were 15.3 ± 6.9 and 9.5 ± 5.2 out of 24, respectively. The mean knowledge score of physicians and nurses who received education regarding transfusion medicine during their medical and nursing courses was more than those who did not (p < 0.01); 98.6% of physicians and 97.1% of nurses believed that their education was not adequate. The mean knowledge score after education increased significantly in physicians (20.8 ± 4.3) and nurses (18.2 ± 3) out of 24 (p < 0.001). The knowledge of physicians and nurses regarding blood transfusion was low. The education can improve their knowledge. It seems necessary for educational courses regarding transfusion medicine to be held and for academic transfusion medicine courses to be added to medical and nursing curriculua.