A questionnaire based study on the knowledge, attitude and practice of Hemovigilance among post graduate residents and nurses at a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Suvarna Khandade; Rohini Jagtap

Volume : IX, Issue : III, March - 2020

A questionnaire based study on the knowledge, attitude and practice of Hemovigilance among post graduate residents and nurses at a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Suvarna Khandade, Rohini Jagtap

Abstract :

BACKGROUND: Blood and blood product transfusion is a life-saving intervention, therefore hemovigilance is an urgent need to identify and prevent occurrence of transfusion related reactions so as to improve the patient safety and quality of blood delivered. Nowadays throughout the globe hemovigilance setups have been enforced in most developed countries, to monitor the adverse reactions and episodes associated with blood donations and transfusions. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study conducted among postgraduate residents and nurses (n=100) of tertiary care teaching hospital. A structured validated questionnaire of 20 multiple choice questions was administered in postgraduate residents and nurses to obtain information about knowledge, attitude, and practices of hemovigilance. This study also helps to identify the factors responsible for underreporting of transfusion reactions and the possible ways to improve it. RESULTS: Total 100 responses were recorded. It has been observed that 59.5% postgraduates and 36% nurses have knowledge about Hemovigilance. 58% postgraduates & 50% nurses have documented adverse transfusion reactions (ATR). Only 38% postgraduates and 18% nurses were trained to report ATR. According to respondents, launching of a toll-free helpline number, development of mobile application and training of healthcare professionals are possible ways to improve reporting of transfusion reactions whereas lack of knowledge, time constraints are some of the hinders. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded from the present study that respondents have a very superficial understanding about hemovigilance, therefore special efforts to sensitize the health care professionals and to strengthen the hemovigilance programme is very important.