Evaluation of the knowledge of intern doctors on transfusion medicine in Turkey

Abstract Background: Proper clinical use of blood products requires competent theoretical and practical knowledge of transfusion medicine. In this study, we aimed to evaluate levels of transfusion medicine knowledge and attainment of educational targets and identify factors affecting the education of transfusion medicine. Methods: A multicentric survey study was performed among final-year medical students. The questions were prepared based on learning objectives for transfusion medicine curriculum. The questionnaire focused on the safety of blood transfusion administration. Results: The survey included 727 (24%) of 3009 students enrolled in 13 medical schools. In the competence self-assessment, 65% of the students reported that transfusion medicine education was insufficient. Only 14% felt competent in recognizing transfusion complications and applying first-line treatment. For initiating and monitoring transfusions, 41% stated they could manage under supervision and 7% stated they had sufficient practice, while the remaining 52% considered themselves completely insufficient in this area. The 10 questions assessing basic knowledge and attainment of educational targets had 53 choices. This indicates that intern doctors were not able to recognize 50% of the correct and 30% of the incorrect information. Conclusion: A large proportion of medical students did not have adequate theoretical knowledge or self-assessed practical competency in transfusion medicine.