Designing and Assessing the Impact of a Competency-Based Training Program in Transfusion Medicine among MBBS Interns

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Transfusion Medicine
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Transfusion medicine education is crucial for patient safety, yet knowledge gaps exist among medical trainees.
• The National Medical Commission (NMC) implemented a competency-based medical education (CBME) framework in India in 2019.
• A need exists to assess the effectiveness of CBME-aligned training in transfusion medicine for interns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a structured, two-day educational program on transfusion medicine knowledge among MBBS interns.
• To align transfusion medicine training with the NMC's CBME curriculum requirements.
• To identify specific areas of knowledge deficiency in transfusion medicine among interns.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among MBBS interns.
• A two-day educational program with six modules (bedside transfusion, blood donation, lab transfusion medicine) was delivered.
• Pre- and post-training assessments were used to measure knowledge improvement, with effect size analysis.

Main Results:

• Interns' overall knowledge scores improved significantly from 47% (pre-test) to 77.6% (post-test).
• Pre-training assessments revealed significant knowledge deficits in areas such as transfusion reactions, indications for component therapy, donor selection, and blood banking practices.
• Post-training, significant improvements were observed across all domains, with high effectiveness noted in five out of six modules.

Conclusions:

• A substantial knowledge gap in transfusion medicine persists among medical interns.
• A structured, competency-based medical education (CBME) program is an effective strategy for enhancing transfusion medicine knowledge.
• Improving transfusion medicine education is vital for enhancing patient safety in clinical practice.