Knowledge and Practice of Nurses regarding The Care of Children Undergoing Blood and Blood Products Transfusion

Background: Blood transfusion is a life-saving practice and a high-risk invasive procedure; improper practices can lead to serious adverse responses. Enhancing nurses' transfusion competency and knowledge is expected to increase the therapeutic benefits of transfusion therapy and reduce adverse responses. Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess knowledge and practice of nurses regarding the care of children undergoing blood and blood products transfusion. Design: The current study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. Setting: This study was carried out at Beni-Suef University Hospital's Pediatric Department, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Sample: A purposive sample of 113 nurses employed in the aforementioned setting was incorporated into the study. Tools: Two tools were used to collect the study data, including (I) a structured interviewing questionnaire used to assess knowledge of nurses. (II) An observational checklist to assess practice of nurses. Results: The study's findings revealed that 69.03% and 66.25% of the studied nurses, respectively, had an unsatisfactory level of total knowledge and an incompetent level of total practice regarding the care of children undergoing blood and blood products transfusion. Conclusion: The study's findings concluded that more than two-thirds of the nurses under the study had an unsatisfactory knowledge' level, and almost two-thirds of them had an incompetent practice' level regarding the care of children undergoing blood and blood products transfusion. Recommendations: Application of ongoing educational programs for pediatric nurses on a regular basis is essential to refresh and update the knowledge of nurses and enhance their practices.