The Retention of Accuracy of Visual Estimation of Blood Loss by Qualified Nurses at 1 and 3 Months following Education Program

Abstract

Objective:

To assess the retention of accuracy of estimation of blood loss at 1 and 3 months

following education program.

Study design:

Clinical trial.

Subjects:

Sixty qualified nurses from operative and delivery wards during January – June 2008.

Intervention:

The nurses were recruited for blood loss estimation education program. Gauzes and

swabs soaked with fixed amount of pack red cells were used for estimation of blood loss at 6

stations. Follow up tests was performed by all of the participants with the same 6 stations at

1 and 3 months later. The accuracy of estimation was defined as within twenty percents of

actual blood volume used.

Main outcomes:

Percentage of nurses who estimated accurately at least 3 in 6 stations (proficient

nurses) at 1 and 3 months after education program.

Results:

There were no significant decrease in accuracy of visual estimation of blood loss at

1 and 3 months following education program (p= 0.13). The accuracy of estimation was not

associated with years of experience (p= 0.62) and working wards (p= 0.19).

Conclusion:

The accuracy of visual estimation of blood loss still retained at 3 months which was

not different from 1 month.