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. 2019 Jun;54(2):125-130.
doi: 10.5045/br.2019.54.2.125. Epub 2019 Jun 25.

The top 10 things to know about transfusion medicine before intern year: an evidence-based course for graduating medical students

Alexis R Peedin  1 , Irina Perjar  1 , Marshall A Mazepa  1 , Marian A Rollins-Raval  1 , Yara A Park  1 , Jay S Raval  1
Affiliations

The top 10 things to know about transfusion medicine before intern year: an evidence-based course for graduating medical students

Alexis R Peedin et al. Blood Res. 2019 Jun.

Abstract

Background: Transfusion medicine (TM) knowledge varies widely among physician trainees. In addition, there have been few instances in which curricular changes have been meaningfully assessed for TM education in medical school.

Methods: We created and presented a novel lecture to improve TM knowledge for graduating medical students using eight objectives designed to reinforce critical information about blood management. Each objective was coded according to unique color schemes, fonts, and graphics to create visual associations while quickly and clearly presenting complex concepts. The validated BEST Collaborative exam was used to measure changes in student TM knowledge, while a survey was conducted to gauge changes in confidence for each objective. Students were asked to submit anonymous feedback about their experiences.

Results: The mean student post-course exam score was 50.0%, while the pre-course baseline score was 27.5% (P<0.0001). Mean confidence levels increased significantly for all objectives. Student feedback was universally positive.

Conclusion: This study improved knowledge and confidence for graduating medical students by utilizing engaging and visually stimulating presentations to display high-impact TM material. However, further efforts are needed to optimize learning.

Keywords: Education; Medical student; Residency; Transfusion.

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Conflict of interest statement

Authors' Disclosures of Potential Conflicts of Interest: No potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Representative slides from the UNC blood banking/transfusion medicine review course 2015.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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