Knowledge and practices of physicians on blood component therapy: a cross-sectional study from two tertiary hospitals in Nigeria

INTRODUCTION: Comprehension of blood component therapy (BCT) has profound impact on transfusion outcomes. Variations from the standards in practices of BCT may jeopardize patient care. AIM: To assess the understanding and implementation of BCT by physicians. METHODS: The study was carried out at two tertiary health care centres. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study using a self-administered, questionnaire comprising of 30 questions. RESULT: A total of 265 physicians responded from various clinical specialties. Physicians studied showed remarkable knowledge (98%) of BCT. Nevertheless, 92.8% of the respondents' were inclined to prescribing whole blood and the commonest reason given was ready availability at the blood bank. More than half of the respondents' have prescribed BCT with sedimented red cells and platelet concentrates being the most frequently prescribed blood components. Non-availability of blood components and cost implications were some of the identified limitations to the use of BCT. CONCLUSION: Majority of the physicians have a good knowledge concerning BCT. Nonetheless, there was a knowledge-practice mismatch attributable to the unavailability of the various blood components limiting optimal practice of BCT. Strategies should be formulated to overcome these identified challenges to ensure quality transfusion services in our healthcare facilities.