Clinical Practice Simulation for Blood Transfusion Reactions: An Interprofessional Approach

Abstract

When an acute blood transfusion reaction occurs, clear communication, teamwork, and knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of each member of the healthcare team are essential. In this clinical practice simulation exercise, an interprofessional approach was used to teach appropriate recognition and response to an acute blood transfusion reaction. Students were given the opportunity to practice skills, apply knowledge, and effectively collaborate as they provided patient care. Realistic staging, interprofessional debrief sessions guided by expert faculty members, and reflective writing assignments were used to enhance the teaching-learning of this activity. Students responded very positively in their evaluations of the simulation and felt that they were better prepared to deal with a critical event and to interact with each other because of their participation in the simulation.

ABBREVIATIONS: ACNP - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing, BP - Blood pressure, CNA - Certified Nurse Assistant, CoN - College of Nursing, HR - Heart Rate, IPE - Interprofessional education, MLS - Medical laboratory science, RN - Registered Nurse, SBAR - Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation,