Pre-registration adult nurses' knowledge of safe transfusion practice: Results of a 12 month follow-up study.

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. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.