Transfusion of blood and blood components is one of the most common medical procedures in the developed world. Knowledge of physicians about blood transfusion is the most important determinant of their approach towards blood transfusion. In this study, we aimed to assess clinicians' basic knowledge regarding transfusion medicine through a questionnaire in a regional hospital. One hundred and one physicians including general practitioners, resident physicians, and specialists participated in the study. The participants were tested with a questionnaire consisting of 20 questions about transfusion medicine. Their scores were compared with regard to their departments, age and experience in medicine. The mean age of study population was 33.1±6 years. Of the total, 70 (69.3%) were male and the average year in medical practice was 7.3±5.8 years. Overall, 52% of the questions were correctly answered. The proportion of correct answers to the questions about basic knowledge, clinical use of blood, and transfusion reactions were as; 52.7%, 54.7%, and 47.3%, respectively. Thirty-four (33.7%) participants scored higher than 60 points, out of 100 points. The average score of total knowledge of participants about transfusion medicine was 52±10. The total knowledge scores of groups including internal departments, surgical departments, and emergency medicine were 55.7±10.2, 51.5±8.3, and 46±10.3, respectively and the differences between three groups were significant (p=0.001) . Also, a positive correlation has been shown between age, experience in medicine and total awareness score in transfusion medicine. The study yielded low/moderate levels of knowledge about transfusion medicine and it was concluded that additional education in transfusion medicine is necessary in all specialties and at each phases of medical practice.
Key words: Knowledge, physicians, education, transfusion medicine, blood products safety
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