From Classroom to Blood Bank: Do Interns Possess the Skills for Safe Transfusion? - A KAP-Based Appraisal among Interns in a Rural Indian Medical College

Abstract Background: Blood transfusion is a high-risk clinical intervention requiring stringent adherence to safety protocols. Interns frequently initiate transfusions in emergency settings, yet formal training in transfusion medicine is inadequate in many institutions. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of medical interns regarding blood transfusion; to identify training gaps; and to compare findings with similar Indian and Western literature. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to interns (n = 75) using a structured, prevalidated questionnaire comprising knowledge (15 items), attitude (6 items), and practice (6 items). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Adequate knowledge and good practice were defined as ≥70% scores. Results: Mean knowledge accuracy was 77.9% ± 10.8%, with strong performance in storage parameters and immunohematology (≥85%) but weaker procedural knowledge (65–75%). Only 20% had attended any transfusion-related workshop and 12% had received formal training. Attitude scores were highly positive (mean 4.55/5), yet practice compliance remained modest (61%), with only 15% ever reporting transfusion reactions. Handling of cryoprecipitate and hemovigilance reporting were the weakest domains. Conclusion: Interns exhibit good theoretical knowledge and positive attitudes but insufficient procedural competency—mirroring trends reported in Indian and Western studies. Structured training modules, supervised rotations, and simulation-based learning must be integrated into medical education to bridge the persistent knowledge–practice gap.