Professional knowledge and practice mapping among nurses regarding transfusion therapy: A pilot study on reliability and validity testing

Abstract

Introduction: All people involved in transfusion therapy have professional, legal and ethical responsibility for their own actions. Aim: The aims of the authors were to evaluate competencies, knowledge and practice of nurses about transfusion therapy. Method: Descriptive statistical approach using observation, questionnaire survey and interview was applied. Reliability and validity of the self-made questionnaire were examined with statistical methods. Variance, standard deviation, Cronbach's alpha and Pearson correlations were calculated. Results: Transfusiology-related knowledge of nurses regarding current transfusion regulations was almost 90%, and 56.2% of nurses systematized the nursing functions correctly. Significant differences were found among different institutions in transfusion therapy, transfusion practice and the use of relevant documentation. 75-77% of the institutions examined had their own protocol, and assigned transfusion care nurses worked in more than 20% of the wards. Conclusions: The authors propose a better supervision by leaders in nursing aspects of transfusion therapy, and an increased professional responsibility.