Error-based simulation to improve transfusion safety : Evaluation of «Transfusion Error Room ».

Background

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Aim

Transfusion errors are mainly related to human factors and are largely preventable. We developed a simulation-based activity, the "Transfusion Error Room," to describe its implementation and assess undergraduate students' ability to identify transfusion-related errors.

Methods

The activity was conducted at the Simulation Center of the Medical School of Sfax among second-cycle medical students. A scenario containing nine transfusion-related errors, selected from local haemovigilance experience and reported adverse transfusion events, was designed and validated by faculty members with expertise in simulation-based education. Students identified the embedded errors and participated in a role-play activity, followed by a structured debriefing. A satisfaction survey was subsequently administered to the students.

Results

A total of 244 students participated in 16 sessions and identified a mean of 4.62 of the nine embedded errors (range, 1-8). The least frequently identified errors were pre-labelled blood collection tubes, phenotype incompatibility in the presence of an anti-KEL1 antibody, and blood-component traceability. Learner satisfaction was high, with 98.77% reporting that they were satisfied or very satisfied. In addition, 97.54% reported perceived acquisition of useful knowledge.

Conclusion

The "Transfusion Error Room" is an immersive and well-accepted simulation activity that provides a descriptive assessment of error detection and highlights inappropriate transfusion practices that may represent educational needs.