Background. The complications associated with errors in transfusion practice can be minimized by assessing transfusion practices.\nIn Nepal, there is no standard protocol on blood transfusion. So, this study was conducted with an aim to assess the blood\ntransfusion practice among healthcare personnel. Methods. A descriptive observational study was conducted in two tertiary\nhospitals in Kathmandu, Nepal, over a period of 10 months. Bedside blood transfusion procedures were observed using structured\nchecklist. Results. Altogether, 86 observations were made. Time taken from dispatch from the blood bank to transfusion was >2\nhours in 53.2% of cases. In majority of the cases, blood was kept in the ward in uncontrolled and unprotected manner by the\npatients� relatives. Only 8.2% of the patients and/or the relatives were informed about the reasons, associated probable risks (2.4%),\nand the benefits of transfusion (4.7%). Assessment of vital signs at 15 minutes of initiation of transfusion was done on about 2 to\n4% of cases. Conclusion. We found a suboptimal blood transfusion practice in Nepal, which could be attributable to substantial\nknowledge gap among healthcare personnel and the absence of quality culture, quality system, and quality management in the area\nof blood transfusion practices.
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