Postgraduate education in transfusion medicine in the absence of formal residency training: Assessment of factors needed to develop and sustain a postgraduate diploma program

Abstract Background Quality education in transfusion medicine is key to delivering a safe and cost-effective blood service, yet postgraduate residency programs are lacking in many resource-limited countries and regions. The first formal, accredited, postgraduate training program in transfusion medicine aimed at medical doctors was developed and implemented at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in 2008. In the context of high demand and limited resources, ensuring sustainability of postgraduate training programs is essential. Study design and methods A formal qualitative and semi-quantitative research approach was followed to determine and test the factors considered important in program sustainability, and consisted of a literature survey, followed by semi-structured interviews and a Delphi survey. Results Fifty-five factors were identified from the semi-structured interviews. During the Delphi survey, consensus was reached on 41 and stability declared on a further 13. These factors formed the basis of a structured model informing the sustainability aspects of a postgraduate program in transfusion medicine. Conclusion Literature on program sustainability in the field of transfusion medicine is very limited. This study identified the key factors essential to the long-term viability of a postgraduate program in transfusion medicine and should find broad applicability in other resource-limited countries and regions. It is envisaged that this will enable such programs to reach a state of self-sufficiency while not being overly reliant on external funding and support.