Blood Transfusion Practice among Healthcare Personnel in Nepal: An Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Sciences
• Public Health
• Healthcare Quality

Background:

• Transfusion errors pose risks; assessing practices is crucial for minimization.
• Nepal lacks standardized blood transfusion protocols.
• Healthcare personnel's transfusion practices require evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess blood transfusion practices among healthcare personnel in Nepal.
• Identify areas for improvement in transfusion safety and efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive observational study conducted in two tertiary hospitals in Kathmandu, Nepal.
• Utilized a structured checklist to observe bedside blood transfusion procedures over 10 months.

Main Results:

• Observed delays: >2 hours from blood bank dispatch to transfusion in 53.2% of cases.
• Inadequate patient/relative information regarding transfusion risks (2.4%) and benefits (4.7%).
• Poor adherence to vital sign monitoring (2-4% at 15 minutes).

Conclusions:

• Blood transfusion practices in Nepal are suboptimal.
• Significant knowledge gaps among healthcare personnel contribute to poor practices.
• Absence of a quality culture, system, and management in transfusion practices identified.