title: Increase accuracy of visual estimation of blood loss from education programme.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the increase accuracy of visual estimation of blood loss after an education program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven simulated scenarios with known measured amount of blood were created by using expired packed red cell from blood bank and common surgical materials. Ninety nurses were randomized into two groups. The experimental group attended blood loss estimation course while the control group did not. The percentage of errors in blood loss estimation were calculated and compared between both groups. The main outcome of this study was percentage of nurses who had accurate estimation. We assumed that if the estimated blood volume is within twenty percentage of actual volume it is accurate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no difference in age group (p = 0.08), clinical experiences (p = 0.95) and type of work (p = 0.47) between both groups. Educational program significantly increase accuracy in blood loss estimation (p < 0.05) in all seven scenarios.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Educational program increased the accuracy of visual estimation of blood loss.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270, Rama 6, Rachatavee, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
authors.forename: Matchuporn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sukprasert
authors.forename: Wicharn
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Choktanasiri
authors.forename: Nathpong Israngura Na
authors.initials: NI
authors.lastname: Ayudhya
authors.forename: Pattama
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Promsonthi
authors.forename: Pratak
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: O-Prasertsawat
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003696:Delivery Rooms; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009873:Operating Rooms; D010865:Pilot Projects; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage; D015397:Program Evaluation