Assessment of the knowledge and perceptions of Brazilian medical residents on transfusion medicine

BACKGROUND: Medical education has a major social impact because it ultimately influences the quality and safety of the health service offered to the population. Several studies have acknowledged the relationship between medical knowledge on transfusion medicine and the proper use of this therapy. The rational use of blood has become a worldwide concern. In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate medical residents’ knowledge on transfusion medicine in hospitals located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and their training during their medical education. METHODS: One hundred and six residents from eight medical specialties of four hospitals participated. A questionnaire developed by the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) group was applied to evaluate the participants’ medical knowledge. Another questionnaire was also applied to evaluate participant profiles regarding frequency of transfusion prescriptions, self-perceived knowledge and relevance of the subject. RESULTS: The mean number of correct answers to the questionnaire on knowledge about transfusion practices was 43.5% (range: 15–80%). A relationship between training during medical residency and the obtained result was observed (p-value = 0.0007). Most residents (73%) did not receive training in transfusion medicine during their graduation or residency and 93% would like to receive additional training. CONCLUSION: A clear deficit in the knowledge of transfusion medicine was verified, indicating the need for change in the teaching of this specialty. This result is similar to some developed countries.