[Transfusiology knowledge and competence of nurses in light of a national survey].
BACKGROUND
International literature data clearly show that the role of nurses in transfusion therapy, which needs professional knowledge and skills, continues to increase.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the authors was to perform a national-level mapping of the practice of transfusion therapy including transfusion therapy-related knowledge of nurses and their knowledge about their competence. Further aim was to identify similarities and differences as referred to the requirements of the transfusion regulations (2008), which was valid at the time of the survey in Hungary.


METHODS
The nationwide survey took place between November 19, 2014 and February 20, 2015. Data were collected using paper-form and web-based anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. 657 nurses who were involved in transfusion therapy with changing regularity in adult in-patient wards took part in the survey. Data were processed using descriptive statistical methods.


RESULTS
It was found that the transfusion therapy related knowledge of nurses was very incomplete (50.72%), and only about half of the nurses (52.3%) systematized the nursing functions correctly. Significant differences were also found in the practice of transfusion therapy. The vast majority of the institutions had their own protocol, but responsible nurses assigned for transfusion care were present only in 23.9% of the wards.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors conclude that the identified problems can be resolved by improving professional responsibility of nurses, increasing supervision by nursing leaders and appropriate transfusiology training and regular retrainings.
Alkalmazott Egészségtudományi Intézet, Ápolástan Tanszék, Semmelweis Egyetem, Egészségtudományi Kar Budapest, Vas utca 17., 1088.
Veronika
V
Rajki
Mária
M
Csóka
Tibor
T
Deutsch
Judit
J
Mészáros
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000592:standards; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records / Q000592:standards; D008875:Middle Aged; D009737:Nursing Records / Q000592:standards; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
betegbiztonság; blood safety; nursing competency; patient safety; transfusion therapy in practice; transfusion-related knowledge; transzfúziós terápia gyakorlata; transzfúziós terápiával kapcsolatos ismeret; vérbiztonság; ápolói kompetencia