Knowledge of health professionals in transfusion and transfusion safety in Morocco

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of transfusion and transfusion safety among health professionals. Materials and method: 47 volunteers, working at the University Hospital Ibn Sina in Rabat of Morocco, answered a survey on knowledge, skills in transfusion and transfusion safety. Results: 68% of the participants were female against 32% male, 85.11% were aged 20-30 years. 77% had a seniority of less than 5 years. 57% were nurses and 42% doctors. According to these participants, allergic reactions and hyperthermia occur with 85.11% after a transfusion, 57.45% mentioned lung edema. 80.85% of the participants stated that immunological and infectious risks are the main risks occurring after transfusion. 25.53% did not know that there were preventive measures for transfusion risks, 8.51% stated that there were none. 72.34% of the staff stated that hemovigilance is based on transfusion surveillance. For 68.09% reporting transfusion events, informing recipients and monitoring them after transfusion are the main tools of hemovigilance. 27.66% of the participants were aware of the transfusion regulations and 53.19% were not. Only 41% had received training in blood transfusion. 91.49% of the participants wanted to develop their transfusion knowledge and competence. Conclusion: Heterogeneity of knowledge and skills in transfusion is raised among these professionals, as well as a great motivation to improve their knowledge and the development of their skills in the field of transfusion. Thus, the development of training programs remains an urgent need for health professionals to further improve their knowledge and ensure the safety and quality of blood transfusions.