Evaluation of the knowledge level of Iranian medical graduates about transfusion medicine

Background and objectivesAlthough physicians are the ones prescribing blood products, they do not receive adequate education about transfusion medicine. As a matter of fact, they are not well aware of preparation, storage, indications, and transfusion reactions of blood components. It is harmful for both blood suppliers and patients. The present study aims to evaluate the knowledge level of recently graduated medical students in this regard. Materials and MethodsIn this descriptive study, 1663 questionnaires were distributed among medical graduates who referred to the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education to receive their medical license (2004 to 2005). The questionnaire included 20 multiple choice questions about transfusion medicine, and 2 questions aiming to assess educational needs. The data obtained were finally analyzed with SPSS 11.5. ResultsEach multiple choice question had one score. The mean score was 6.01 ± 2.4 and the mode was five with 93% of the scores being below 10. Out of the respondents, 14 graduates believed that they had not received any education in the field of transfusion medicine. At the same time, 88.9% of respondents expressed their interest to receive training about blood transfusion. ConclusionsKnowledge of medical graduates about transfusion medicine is much lower especially about preparation and storage of blood products than expected. So, it is a necessity for medical students to receive education about blood transfusion in blood transfusion centers.