Assessment of Transfusion Practices Among Doctors During COVID-19 Pandemic Using Questionnaire-Based Survey

During COVID-19 pandemic, many doctors were redirected from various disciplines for care of COVID-19 patients. A survey was conducted among doctors involved, to assess transfusion practices during the pandemic. To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of blood transfusion among doctors involved in care of COVID-19 patients. A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire (Google form) was used to assess knowledge and need of transfusion, attitude towards modifications in transfusion process, and practices during pandemic. Analysis was done among subgroups based on experience (designation), user type (speciality) and frequency of blood usage in parent department. Of 1900 invitations, 437 responses were received from resident doctors and faculty members across various disciplines. Of these, 354(81%) participants were included in analysis. Mean knowledge score was 6.2, majority 297(83.9%) had adequate knowledge scores (≥ 5 of total 12). Knowledge levels were higher among frequent blood users. Positive attitude towards changes in transfusion process was observed in 72.9% participants with similar scores in subgroups. Practice was assessed in 222(62.7%) participants. Mean practice score was 6.9, wherein 57.7% participants had optimal scores (≥ 7 of total 14). Positive correlation was observed between attitude and practice, unlike knowledge and practice. Although most participants had demonstrated adequate transfusion knowledge levels and positive attitude, transfusion practices during pandemic were affected mainly due to shortage of blood components and modifications in transfusion requisition process due to stringent COVID-19 containment measures. Thus, indicating need for improvement in the basic understanding of the transfusion process.