Junior doctors' perspectives on transfusion education in Australia

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Hematology
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Early postgraduate training significantly shapes future clinical practice.
• Limited understanding exists regarding Australian junior doctors' transfusion knowledge and its clinical application.
• This study addresses the need to explore transfusion practice education preferences and develop supportive tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Australian junior doctors' transfusion practice education preferences.
• To develop practical tools to support junior doctors' transfusion practice.
• To assess the utility of these developed transfusion practice support tools.

Main Methods:

• A two-phase design-based study conducted from April 2016 to March 2017.
• Phase 1: Focus groups (n=52) with thematic analysis to inform tool development.
• Phase 2: Survey of junior doctors' response to provided tools (n=39).

Main Results:

• Junior doctors prioritize safe, appropriate, and confident transfusion practice.
• Preferred learning formats include face-to-face education, printed materials (lanyard cards), and a dedicated app.
• Key topics of importance include adverse event management and transfusion prescribing; developed tools were found useful.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced education is crucial for optimizing transfusion practice and patient outcomes.
• Junior doctors require immediate, practical, and credible transfusion information for real-time patient management.
• Promoting existing blood sector resources and tools is essential for supporting safe practice.