Understanding the Nursing Practices and Perspectives of Premedication and Transfusion Reaction Reporting: A Qualitative Description Study
Abstract
This qualitative description study is a sub-study of a knowledge translation (KT) project to implement evidence-based blood transfusion practices at an urban tertiary hospital. The goals of the KT project are to reduce the use of pre-transfusion medications (premedication) and to improve transfusion reaction (TR) reporting practices at this institution. This study explored the nursing practices and perspectives of premedication and TR reporting by conducting interviews with 25 nurses. The findings showed a lack of standardized premedication and TR reporting practices at this institution. A practice change is needed to achieve the goals of the KT project. The study also revealed that nurses lack knowledge about evidence against the use of premedication and lack awareness of the importance of TR reporting. Barriers and facilitators to reducing premedication and improving TR reporting were identified. In conclusion, this study serves as a needs and barriers assessment of the KT project. It also contributes to the literature by exploring novel topics in the field of transfusion research.