RESUMEN
Desde a história da humanidade, o sangue foi associado ao conceito de vida. Entretanto, o uso inadequado do sangue e produtos sanguíneos aumenta o risco de complicações relacionadas à transfusão e eventos adversos para os destinatários. Também contribui para a escassez de produtos derivados do sangue e a possibilidade de não estarem disponíveis, quando necessário, para outros pacientes que deles realmente necessitem. Objetivo: este estudo visa a descrever o histórico da transfusão de sangue e a maneira correta de se utilizar a hemoterapia, visando esclarecer, aos estudantes de Medicina e residentes, bem como médicos interessados, a importância desse conhecimento ao se prescrever um hemocomponente. Metodologia: os tópicos descritos correspondem ao sumário do conhecimento ministrado durante os estágios oferecidos pela Fundação Hemominas para estudantes e residentes de Medicina. Conclusão: a atuação do médico está inegavelmente ligada à concepção científica de seus fundamentos, obtidos, gradual e continuamente, desde o início da formação médica. Nessa perspectiva, melhor capacitação dos profissionais médicos e a elaboração de currículos educacionais, em conformidade com os mais recentes avanços em hemoterapia, podem melhorar o conhecimento médico relativo à medicina transfusional.
Since the history of mankind, blood has been associated with the concept of life. However, improper use of blood and blood products increases the risk of transfusion-related complications and adverse events to recipients. It also contributes to the shortage of blood products and possibility of unavailability to patients in real need. Objective: this study aims to describe the history of blood transfusion and correct way of using hemotherapy,aiming to clarify to medical students and residents, as well as interested doctors, the importance of this knowledge when prescribing a hemo-component. Methodology: the topics described correspond to the summary of knowledge taught during the training courses offered by the Hemominas Foundation for medical students and residents. Conclusion: the doctor?s performance is undeniably linked to the scientific conception ofhis fundamentals gradually and continuously obtained since the beginning of medical training. In this perspective, a better training of medical professionals and development of educational curricula in accordance with the most recent advances in hematology can improve the medical knowledge related to transfusion medicine.
RESUMEN
The current curricula in medical schools and hospital residence worldwide lack exposure to blood transfusion medicine, and require the reformulation of academic programs. In many countries, training in blood transfusion is not currently offered to medical students or during residency. Clinical evidence indicates that blood transfusions occur more frequently than recommended, contributing to increased risk due to this procedure. Therefore, the rational use of blood and its components is essential, due to the frequent undesirable reactions, to the increasing demand of blood products and the cost of the process. Significant improvements in knowledge of and skills in transfusion medicine are needed by both students and residents. Improvements are needed in both background knowledge and the practical application of this knowledge to improve safety. Studies prove that hemovigilance has an impact on transfusion safety and helps to prevent the occurrence of transfusion-related adverse effects. To ensure that all these aspects of blood transfusion are being properly addressed, many countries have instituted hospital transfusion committees. From this perspective, the interventions performed during the formation of medical students and residents, even the simplest, have proven effective in the acquisition of knowledge and medical training, thereby leading to a reduction in inappropriate use of blood. Therefore, we would like to emphasize the importance of the exposure of medical students and residents to blood ser- vices and transfusion medicine in order for them to acquire adequate medical training, as well as to discuss some changes in the current medical curricula regarding transfusion medicine that we judge critical.