Assessing Medical Knowledge Gaps on Transfusion Incidents and Preventive Strategies

Blood transfusion (BT) is a life-saving therapy not devoid of risks. Reporting transfusion adverse events (TAEs) is a key element of hemovigilance, guaranteeing patient safety. However, it remains insufficient due to a lack of knowledge among medical staff regarding the recognition and management of TAEs. The aim of this study was to assess physicians' knowledge of TAEs and their ability to manage them.

An observational study was carried out in 2024 among 96 physicians practicing in Tunisian transfusion services, via an anonymous 25-question questionnaire assessing recognition, management and reporting of TAEs.

A total of 96 participants responded to the questionnaire, of which 46% (n=44) were residents, 38% (n=37) interns, and 16% (n=15) senior physicians working in transfusion departments. Among the respondents, 51% had received prior training in transfusion therapy. Only 15% of participants obtained more than half of the answers correct. The knowledge assessment revealed that 41.6% of physicians incorrectly believed TAEs were systematically associated with stable blood products. Furthermore, only 12.5% of physicians reported TAEs exclusively when they were classified as serious. Confusion between transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) and cardiogenic pulmonary edema was observed in a significant proportion of participants.

This study underscores a notable lack of knowledge among medical staff regarding transfusion events. Targeted, ongoing training programs are essential to address these gaps and enhance patient safety.