Knowledge about blood transfusion in a critical unit of a teaching hospital

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of professionals of the nursing team of an intensive care unit about blood transfusion and to identify the factors associated with such knowledge. Observational, analytical, non-experimental and cross-sectional study held in adult intensive care units of a large, public, teaching hospital located in Minas Gerais. A validated instrument of the type check list was used to collect data. Descriptive analysis, calculation of knowledge scores, t-tests and Pearson correlation tests were performed. The study included 64 professionals of the nursing team, among which 73.4% were nursing technicians and 85.9% were female. The average age was 37.7 years. A total of 93.8% professionals said they had received training on blood transfusion; 76.6% said they sought information on the subject; and 100% reported to feel confident while performing the procedure. The average overall knowledge score was 52.8%. Factors associated with knowledge about blood transfusion were: professional category nurse, participation in training and specific course for professional improvement, post-graduate degree, number of blood transfusions carried out per month and time working in the sector. A lack of knowledge was observed among professionals in relation to transfusion therapy. This reinforces the need to increase the opportunities to acquire skills such as training courses and continuing and permanent education for nursing professionals who work in critical care units, focusing on patient safety and quality of care.