Publication:

A questionnaire based cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitude and practice of haemovigilance among the postgraduates at a tertiary care hospital

Background Haemovigilance plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of blood transfusion practices by systematically monitoring, reporting and analysing adverse transfusion reactions. In India, the Haemovigilance Programme was initiated in December 2012, to enhance transfusion safety through a structured national surveillance system.

Methods This observational questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among postgraduates at a tertiary care institute. A total of 100 postgraduates participated in the study. The questionnaire covered aspects of knowledge regarding the haemovigilance attitudes towards adverse event reporting and actual reporting practices. Data collection was carried out electronically using google forms.

Results Our study was conducted among 100 postgraduate medical students. A significant majority (86%) reported being familiar with the Haemovigilance programme of India. Furthermore, 69% of respondents were aware that any transfusion reaction is eligible for reporting, Encouragingly, 94% of the participants agreed that reporting adverse transfusion reactions contributes positively to patient safety and care. Despite this high level of awareness and a favourable attitude toward haemovigilance, only 30% of the participants had ever reported a transfusion reaction, highlighting a noticeable gap between knowledge and actual practice.

Conclusions The findings reveal that while postgraduate medical students demonstrate substantial awareness and a positive attitude toward haemovigilance. These results emphasize the need for further training and reinforcement of hemovigilance practices to enhance patient safety and effective blood transfusion monitoring.