Transfusion medicine knowledge among clinicians at a teaching hospital in Malaysia
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-1-2023
Abstract
Introduction: Inappropriate use of blood and blood products has been well reported from many countries including Malaysia and may be due to a deficit of transfusion medicine (TM) knowledge. This study is aimed to assess TM knowledge among clinicians in a tertiary hospital. Materials and Methods: The validated exam developed by the BEST collaborative group was used to assess TM knowledge of doctors, from junior residents up to senior specialists. Scores of 42%, 62%, and 82%, corresponding to basic, intermediate, and expert levels of knowledge, respectively. Convenience sampling was done from eight blood-using departments at University Malaya Medical Centre. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the candidates' exam scores between different variables. Results: A total of 184 doctors were assessed. The overall mean score was 40.1% (SD 12.7%). The most senior doctors had a significantly lower mean score compared with resident trainees and specialists. Doctors from haematology, anesthesiology, and internal medicine had significantly higher scores (51%, 47.4%, and 46.4% respectively, p<0.05). No correlations were found between the exam scores and the self-reported amount, or quality of prior TM teaching, nor with the year of postgraduate training. Participants did poorly on questions related to transfusion reactions, especially the question on transfusion-related acute lung injury. Conclusion: Inadequate transfusion medicine knowledge was found across all the departments and levels of appointment. It is concerning that the most senior decision-making doctors had especially poor knowledge. TM training is needed by all residents, and regular updates should be given to established specialists.
Keywords
Transfusion medicine knowledge, transfusion education, inappropriate blood transfusion, Malaysia
Divisions
pathology
Publication Title
Malaysian Journal of Pathology
Volume
45
Issue
2
Publisher
College of Pathologists, Academy of Medicine Malaysia
Publisher Location
UNIV MALAYSIA, FAC MEDICINE, DEPT PATHOLOGY, KUALA LUMPUR, 59100, MALAYSIA