Assessment of Awareness about Blood Transfusion among the Red Cell Recipients

Abstract

Background: Red cell transfusion is indicated to increase the oxygen delivering capacity and it cannot be replaced by any pharmacological agent. Although blood transfusion is generally safe, adverse effects can occur; hence, benefits must always overweigh risks of transfusion before decision to transfuse is made. Information about the aims of transfusion, benefits and risks of transfusion, must be explained to the patient and written consent must be obtained. Objective: To assess the awareness about blood transfusion among red cell recipients. Materials and Methods: This prospective descriptive study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. Red cell recipients were questioned about the transfusion episode after been transfused. Results: There were 252 patients in the study, 82 from surgical units and 170 from medical units. 37 (45.12%) patients from surgical units and 79 (46.47%) patients from medical units were explained about the transfusion, before they were being transfused. 66% of patients from surgical units and 55% from medical wards knew their blood group. 77% and 57% of patients were aware about the reason for transfusion in surgical and medical wards, respectively. Moreover, 39% of patients from surgical units and 35% of patients from medical units knew about transfusion transmitted infections. Conclusions: Awareness about the own blood group, reason for transfusion, benefits and risks of transfusion was significantly low in the study group. Therefore, patient education should be improved to understand the benefits and risks to the patient.

Keywords

• blood transfusion
• patient awareness
• knowledge
• red cells
• transfusion reactions