• Matchuporn Sukprasert, Wicharn Choktanasiri, Nathpong Israngura Na Ayudhya, Pattama Promsonthi, and Pratak O-Prasertsawat.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270, Rama 6, Rachatavee, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
• J Med Assoc Thai. 2006 Oct 1;89 Suppl 4:S54-9.

ObjectiveTo study the increase accuracy of visual estimation of blood loss after an education program.Material And MethodSeven simulated scenarios with known measured amount of blood were created by using expired packed red cell from blood bank and common surgical materials. Ninety nurses were randomized into two groups. The experimental group attended blood loss estimation course while the control group did not. The percentage of errors in blood loss estimation were calculated and compared between both groups. The main outcome of this study was percentage of nurses who had accurate estimation. We assumed that if the estimated blood volume is within twenty percentage of actual volume it is accurate.ResultsThere were no difference in age group (p = 0.08), clinical experiences (p = 0.95) and type of work (p = 0.47) between both groups. Educational program significantly increase accuracy in blood loss estimation (p < 0.05) in all seven scenarios.ConclusionEducational program increased the accuracy of visual estimation of blood loss.

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