Effects of a Competency Development Program for Registered Nurses on Blood and Blood Component Administration at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital

Abstract

Background: Blood transfusion is a nursing procedure that requires competent practitioners to ensure patient safety and prevent adverse events. Objective: To examine the effects of a competency development program for registered nurses on blood and blood component administration at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, on the aspects of nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices, as well as patient care outcomes. Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design. The sample consisted of 318 registered nurses. The intervention tool was a competency development program for professional nurses in administering blood and blood components. Data were collected using a knowledge test, attitude scale, nursing practice assessment form, and a patient outcome record form. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the paired sample t-test. Result: After the implementation of the program, the registered nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices significantly improved (p < .001). The mean score on knowledge, attitude, and practice increased from 14.82 to 16.59, 7.96 to 9.11, and 19.60 to 21.76, respectively. Regarding the patients' outcomes, the rate of transfusion-related complications decreased. Furthermore, no cases of incorrect patient or blood type transfusions were reported. Conclusion: The competency development program for registered nurses in blood transfusion was effective on enhancing nurses' knowledge, attitudes, clinical skills, and on reducing clinical risks associated with blood transfusion in a tangible manner. Therefore, it is recommended that the program should be adopted in other healthcare settings to improve the standards of patient safety and nursing care quality.