Smith, Fiona C, Donaldson, Jayne H and Pirie, Liz (2010) Pre-registration adult nurses’ knowledge of safe transfusion practice: Results of a 12month follow-up study. Nurse Education in Practice, 10 (2). pp. 101-107. ISSN 1471 5953

Abstract/Description

This research project ascertained student nurses’ knowledge retention of safe transfusion practice following
a standardised teaching and learning programme (produced by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion
Service, United Kingdom (UK)) within a School of Nursing in Scotland, UK.
Several studies including the Serious Hazard of Transfusion (SHOT) annual reports demonstrated that
there are risks to the patient in receiving blood components: receiving the wrong blood was the most
common risk associated with blood transfusion (Ottewill, 2003; SHOT, 2007).
This evaluative study used a questionnaire to assess the level of knowledge students (n = 118) attained
on the day of the session, 4–6 months and 11–12 months following the session.
The study provided an insight into the effectiveness of a standardised teaching approach and highlighted
areas for review in light of incorrect answers elicited. Despite all receiving the Standardised Programme,
there was a wide range of initial overall scores achieved. The study demonstrated, within the
small sample completing at all 3 time points, that there is clear degradation of knowledge during the
study period. The influence of experience on knowledge retention appears to have a positive effect at
6 months but no appreciable effect at 12 months.
These outcomes merit further, more robust and multi centre investigation to identify if there is replication
of results.

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