Pediatric transfusion camp: Developing, piloting and evaluation of a Canadian national pediatric transfusion medicine curriculum.

Abstract

Background: Standardized post-graduate education in pediatric transfusion medicine remains limited. The objective of this study was to adapt an adult transfusion education program, Transfusion Camp, to include pediatric content and assess knowledge improvement in pediatric subspecialty trainees.

Study design and methods: A steering committee of Canadian experts from pediatric subspecialties convened to adapt the content of an adult transfusion medicine curriculum to include pediatric-specific content using Kern's six-step approach to curriculum design. Pediatric anesthesiology and pediatric hematology-oncology trainees enrolled in Canadian training programs participated in a 4-day pilot of virtual didactic teaching/team-based learning during the 2024-2025 academic year. Knowledge was assessed using the validated 25-item Pediatric Transfusion Knowledge Test administered pre- and post-course. Trainees also completed surveys evaluating confidence and attitudes.

Results: Twenty-eight trainees enrolled in the course, 26 trainees completed the pre-course assessment, and 21 completed the post-course assessment. Of these, 20 completed both pre- and post-course assessments, and 80% (16/20) attended all 4 days. Mean scores increased from 48.9% ± 13.3% to 64.6% ± 12.1%. Among trainees completing both pre- and post-course assessment (n = 20), the mean gain was +17.8% (95% confidence interval 11.2-24.4, p < .0001). Knowledge gaps persisted in transfusion reaction reporting and specialized transfusion topics, including platelet refractoriness and hemolytic anemia. Trainees reported improved confidence in applying transfusion medicine concepts, and course evaluations were highly positive.

Discussion: Pediatric Transfusion Camp is a standardized, evidence-based curriculum that improves pediatric trainee transfusion knowledge. Engaging a multi-disciplinary steering committee enhanced educational rigor and supports future expansion toward standardized pediatric transfusion medicine training across Canada.