<b>Knowledge about the transfusion process of an ICU nursing team of a university hospital</b> - DOI: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v8i4.9676

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of nurses in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), on the transfusion process. This is a descriptive, quantitative approach, performed in the ICU of University Hospital Onofre Lopes (HUOL), between July and August 2008, with 27 nursing professionals. The research received favorable acquiescence of the HUOL Ethics Committee (n. 175/08). Data were collected through a questionnaire and structured observation form, in addition to consulting the medical records. Data showed a predominance of young professionals, aged between 21 and 32 years (63.0%), female (85.2%) and complete high school education (74.1%). Regarding the knowledge on the transfusion process, it was observed that was more appropriate in the pre-transfusion, blood transfusion, and inadequate post-transfusion. The trainees presented the lowest scores of knowledge on the 3 steps. The surveyed professionals, especially the nursing staff trainees, had serious deficiencies with regard to knowledge of the transfusion process, showing the inadequacy to develop this therapy. With knowledgeable and well-planned actions, it is possible to assess results, seek innovation, prevent errors and damage to the patient, improving the quality of care provided in health care.