0
selected
-
1.
Notifying donors when their deferral is ending: An effective donor retention strategy
Gemelli CN, Thijsen A, Van Dyke N, Kruse SP, Davison TE
Transfusion. 2021
Abstract
BACKGROUND The application of a temporary deferral often leads to donor lapse. Contributing factors may be donors not knowing when their deferral ends or not being contacted and asked to return. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a reminder message notifying donors that their deferral is coming to an end in increasing donors' postdeferral return rates. We evaluated the optimal time, content, and mode of delivery of the reminder message. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Two studies were conducted with deferred donors. Study 1: donors (n = 1676) were randomized to be sent a reminder message at one of three time points (4 weeks before, 1 week before, and 1 week after their deferral ended) or to a no contact control condition. Study 2: donors (n = 1973) were randomized to three message type conditions (emotive email, nonemotive email, nonemotive SMS). Attempted return behavior was extracted (appointments, attendances) at 1 month. RESULTS In Study 1, being sent the reminder message increased odds of donors attempting to return within 3 months compared with the control group (OR:2.01). Sending the reminder 1 week before the deferral ended was the most effective time point. In Study 2, the nonemotive message increased the odds of attempting to return compared with the emotive message (OR:1.38). No differences were found between email and SMS messages. DISCUSSION Sending a reminder message to donors when their deferral is coming to an end is a simple, effective, and cost-effective method to retain donors.
-
2.
Improving the donation experience and reducing venipuncture pain by addressing fears among whole-blood and plasma donors
Gilchrist PT, Thijsen A, Masser BM, France CR, Davison TE
Transfusion. 2021
-
-
-
-
Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fear of blood donation is implicated in vasovagal reactions, donor recruitment, and retention. This study examined the extent to which fear among donors is associated with various donor outcomes in an Australian sample, and whether fear can be addressed on-site to reduce adverse reactions and improve the donation experience. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Six hundred and sixty-four donors (age M = 33.4, SD = 12.7; 55% female) participated in a two-center, pragmatic, parallel group, individually randomized controlled trial. Following donor registration and consent, whole-blood (n = 539) and plasma (n = 125) donors were assigned to one of four Conditions: control; fear assessment; fear assessment + brochure; fear assessment + brochure + tailored conversation focused on any self-reported fear and coping strategies. Post-donation questionnaires assessed the donors' experience including positive support, donor self-efficacy, anxiety, fear, venipuncture pain, and vasovagal reactions. RESULTS Fear among donors predicted higher venipuncture pain, post-donation anxiety, and vasovagal reactions and remained significant after controlling for other established predictors (i.e., total estimated blood volume, age, sex, and donation experience). Mediational analyses showed that exposure to brochures (with or without the tailored conversation) was associated with less pain, with this effect mediated by donor perceptions of more positive support. Venipuncture pain was also associated with vasovagal reactions, reduced likelihood of return within 6 months, and less satisfaction with the donation experience. CONCLUSION The current results underline the importance of interventions to address fear among both whole-blood and plasma donors to secure the safety and well-being of donors and the blood supply.
PICO Summary
Population
Whole-blood and plasma donors (n= 664).
Intervention
Fear assessment (n= 179); Fear assessment + brochure (n= 169); Fear assessment + brochure + tailored conversation focused on any self-reported fear and coping strategies (n= 168).
Comparison
Control (Donation as usual, n= 148).
Outcome
Fear among donors predicted higher venipuncture pain, post-donation anxiety, and vasovagal reactions and remained significant after controlling for other established predictors. Mediational analyses showed that exposure to brochures (with or without the tailored conversation) was associated with less pain, with this effect mediated by donor perceptions of more positive support. Venipuncture pain was also associated with vasovagal reactions, reduced likelihood of return within 6 months, and less satisfaction with the donation experience.
-
3.
Results from the blood donor competence, autonomy, and relatedness enhancement (blood donor CARE) randomized trial
France CR, France JL, Himawan LK, Fox KR, Livitz IE, Ankawi B, Slepian PM, Kowalsky JM, Duffy L, Kessler DA, et al
Transfusion. 2021
-
-
-
-
Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to promote competence, autonomy, and relatedness among first-time whole blood donors to enhance intrinsic motivation and increase retention. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Using a full factorial design, first-time donors (N = 2002) were randomly assigned to a no-treatment control condition or to one of seven intervention conditions designed to promote donation competence, autonomy, relatedness, a combination of two (e.g., competence and autonomy), or all three constructs. Participants completed donor motivation measures before the intervention and 6 weeks later, and subsequent donation attempts were assessed for 1 year. RESULTS There was no significant group difference in the frequency of donation attempts or in the number of days to return. Significant effects of group were observed for 10 of the 12 motivation measures, although follow-up analyses revealed significant differences from the control group were restricted to interventions that included an autonomy component. Path analyses confirmed direct associations between interventions involving autonomy and donor motivation, and indirect mediation of donation attempts via stronger donation intentions and lower donation anxiety. CONCLUSION Among young, first-time, whole blood donors, brief interventions that include support for donor autonomy were associated with direct effects on donor motivation and indirect, but small, effects on subsequent donation behavior.
PICO Summary
Population
First time whole blood donors (n= 2,002).
Intervention
Activities to promote donation competence (C, n= 250), autonomy (A, n= 248), relatedness (R, n= 260); or a combination of two: competence and autonomy (C + A, n= 251), competence and relatedness (C + R, n= 250), autonomy and relatedness (A + R, n= 248); or a combination of the three: (C+ A + R, n= 245).
Comparison
Standard communication (Control group, n= 250).
Outcome
There was no significant group difference in the frequency of donation attempts or in the number of days to return. Significant effects of group were observed for 10 of the 12 motivation measures, although follow-up analyses revealed significant differences from the control group were restricted to interventions that included an autonomy component. Path analyses confirmed direct associations between interventions involving autonomy and donor motivation, and indirect mediation of donation attempts via stronger donation intentions and lower donation anxiety.
-
4.
Effects of message framing on recruiting Rh-D-negative blood donors in an emergency situation: Two randomized trials
Ou-Yang J, Huang XY, Fu YS, Dai L, Zhong HB, Jiang J, Liang HQ
British journal of health psychology. 2021
-
-
-
-
Editor's Choice
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Prospect theory categorizes message framing according to whether it emphasizes a possible loss or a possible gain. Promotions of blood donation worldwide mainly focus on gain-framed appeal. The objective of the current study is to examine the effects of message framing on recruiting Rh-D-negative blood donors (RDNBDs) in an emergency situation. DESIGN Two randomized trials. METHODS In Study 1, 813 group O and 500 group B RDNBDs were randomly assigned to three groups receiving three different recruitment text messages: (1) gain-framed, (2) loss-framed, and (3) information messages. In addition, 613 group A and 148 group AB RDNBDs were marked as (4) no message group. In Study 2, 758 RDNBDs were randomly provided one of two versions of materials focusing on either the possible survival (gain-framed) or the death (loss-framed) of a Rh-D-negative patient needed a blood transfusion. These participants then completed a questionnaire to examine the possible mechanisms underlying the observed effects. RESULTS Compared to not receiving any message, significantly more RDNBDs re-donated within 14 days after they received a loss-framed message. Study 2 found that RDNBDs who read the loss-framed material expressed more willingness to donate immediately than those who read the gain-framed material. RDNBDs with high-risk perception expressed a greater blood donation intention in the loss-framed group. The loss-framed message made participants perceive others' needs more strongly, which generated more empathy, and thus increased blood donation intention. CONCLUSIONS The results suggested that recruiting RDNBDs using a loss-framed message is suitable under an emergency.
PICO Summary
Population
Rh-D-negative blood donors (RDNBDs) from two studies, (study 1, n= 2,074; study 2, n= 2,559).
Intervention
Gain-framed text messages and materials.
Comparison
Various comparators of text messages and materials (loss-framed, informative, and no message).
Outcome
Study 1 showed that significantly more RDNBDs re-donated within 14 days after receiving loss-framed message, compared to not receiving any message. Study 2 found that RDNBDs who read the loss-framed material expressed more willingness to donate immediately than those who read the gain-framed material. RDNBDs with high-risk perception expressed a greater blood donation intention in the loss-framed group.
-
5.
A Systematic Review of Interventions Used to Increase Blood Donor Compliance with Deferral Criteria
Cutts JC, Quinn B, Seed CR, Kotsiou G, Pearson R, Scott N, Wilson DP, Harrod ME, Maher L, Caris S, et al
Transfusion medicine and hemotherapy : offizielles Organ der Deutschen Gesellschaft fur Transfusionsmedizin und Immunhamatologie. 2021;48(2):118-129
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Full text
-
Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Pre-donation screening of potential blood donors is critical for ensuring the safety of the donor blood supply, and donor deferral as a result of risk factors is practised worldwide. This systematic review was conducted in the context of an expert review convened by the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood in 2013 to consider Lifeblood's injecting drug use (IDU)-related policies and aimed to identify studies assessing interventions to improve compliance with deferral criteria in blood donation settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS MEDLINE/PubMed, OVID Medline, OVID Embase, LILACS, and the Cochrane Library (CENTRAL and DARE) databases were searched for studies conducted within blood donation settings that examined interventions to increase blood donor compliance with deferral criteria. Observational and experimental studies from all geographical areas were considered. RESULTS Ten studies were identified that tested at least one intervention to improve blood donor compliance with deferral criteria, including computerized interviews or questionnaires, direct and indirect oral questioning, educational materials, and a combination of a tickbox questionnaire and a personal donor interview. High-quality evidence from a single study was provided for the effectiveness of a computerized interview in improving detection of HIV risk behaviour. Low-quality evidence for the effectiveness of computerized interviews was provided by 3 additional studies. Two studies reported a moderate effect of direct questioning in increasing donor deferral, but the quality of the evidence was low. CONCLUSION This review identified several interventions to improve donor compliance that have been tested in blood donation settings and provided evidence for the effectiveness of computerized interviews in improving detection of risk factors.
PICO Summary
Population
Blood donation settings undertaking pre-donation screening (10 studies).
Intervention
Systematic review to identify interventions to improve blood donor compliance with deferral criteria.
Comparison
Outcome
Ten studies were identified that tested at least one intervention to improve blood donor compliance with deferral criteria, including computerized interviews or questionnaires, direct and indirect oral questioning, educational materials, and a combination of a tick-box questionnaire and a personal donor interview. High-quality evidence from a single study was provided for the effectiveness of a computerized interview in improving detection of HIV risk behaviour. Low-quality evidence for the effectiveness of computerized interviews was provided by 3 additional studies. Two studies reported a moderate effect of direct questioning in increasing donor deferral, but the quality of the evidence was low.
-
6.
Knowledge of blood donation and associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Getie A, Wondmieneh A, Bimerew M, Gedefaw G, Demis A
BMJ open. 2021;11(7):e044343
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Editor's Choice
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the level of knowledge about blood donation and associated factors in Ethiopia. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS Both published and unpublished cross-sectional studies on the level of knowledge about blood donation in Ethiopia were included. Articles from different databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, HINARI, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar and African Journals Online were searched. Cochrane I(2) statistics were used to check for heterogeneity. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses of evidence of heterogeneity were carried out. Egger's test with funnel plot was conducted to investigate publication bias. RESULT Twenty cross-sectional studies with a total of 8338 study participants (4712 men and 3626 women) were included. The overall nationwide level of knowledge about blood donation was 56.57% (95% CI 50.30 to 62.84). Being in secondary school and above (adjusted OR=3.12; 95% CI 2.34 to 4.16) and being male (adjusted OR=1.81; 95% CI 1.44 to 2.28) were the factors associated with level of knowledge about blood donation. CONCLUSION More than half of the study participants were knowledgeable about blood donation. Sex and educational status were the factors significantly associated with level of knowledge about blood donation in Ethiopia. Therefore, there is a need for education and dissemination of information about blood donation among the general population to build adequate knowledge and maintain regular blood supply.
PICO Summary
Population
Men and women living in Ethiopia (20 studies, n= 8,338).
Intervention
Systematic review to assess the level of knowledge about blood donation and associated factors in Ethiopia.
Comparison
Outcome
The overall nationwide level of knowledge about blood donation was 56.57%. Being in secondary school and above and being male were the factors associated with level of knowledge about blood donation.
-
7.
Educating donors about deferrals through the provision of tailored materials: Findings from a survey of deferred donors
Gemelli CN, Kruse SP, Thijsen A, Van Dyke N, Davison TE
Transfusion. 2020
Abstract
BACKGROUND Receiving a temporary deferral has been shown to negatively affect donor retention. One contributing factor for low donor return may be poor understanding of why the deferral has occurred. The aim of this study was to determine whether new educational materials-a brochure, guided conversation, and follow-up email-increased deferred donors' knowledge about their donation eligibility, satisfaction with the deferral process, intention to return, and odds of rebooking another appointment. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A three-arm cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of the educational materials compared to business as usual deferral procedures: (a) In-center brochure and follow-up email; (b) Email only; (c) Control. A survey was administered to a random sample of trial participants (n = 847). RESULTS Compared with the control condition, donors in the in-center brochure and email condition were more knowledgeable about the end date of their deferral, and reported higher satisfaction with the deferral information provided, and had fewer questions and/or concerns about the deferral. Similar findings were observed when comparing the email only condition to the in-center brochure and email condition. No differences were found in intention to return. Donors in the in-center brochure plus email condition had increased odds (OR:1.385) of rebooking their next appointment compared to the combined email only and control conditions. CONCLUSIONS The application of a deferral is often misunderstood by donors. Providing educational materials to donors can increase their understanding and may lead to increased retention of donors through rebooking of subsequent donations.
-
8.
Emotional mechanisms and format effects of motivational questions for blood donation
France CR, France JL, Himawan LK, Jeitani A, Williams LA
Transfusion. 2020
Abstract
Prior studies suggest that responding to online motivational questions increases blood donation intention. The present studies were designed to extend these findings by (a) exploring the impact of methodologic variations in the content and order of administration of specific questions on donation intention and (b) examining anticipated positive and negative emotional reactions as potential mediators. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS In the first study, 4709 respondents (51.2% female; mean +/- SD age, 38.4 +/- 12.1 years) were randomly assigned to one of four motivational questions or a no-question control. In the second study, 5291 respondents (52.7% female; mean +/- SD age, 37.3 +/- 11.9 years) were randomly assigned to one of six motivational questions or a no-question control. In both studies, the motivational questions were followed by measures of donation intention, anticipated warm glow, and anticipated regret. RESULTS In Study 1, three of the four questions were associated with higher donation intentions, with anticipated warm glow being a potential partial mediator for two of the questions. In Study 2, five of the six questions were associated with higher donation intentions, with anticipated warm glow and anticipated regret being potential partial mediators for three of the questions. These effects were largely consistent among donors and nondonors. CONCLUSION These studies expand our understanding of the association between particular motivational questions and donation intentions and provide preliminary support for the notion that specific questions may influence donation intention by increasing anticipated positive and negative emotional reactions to the thought of giving or not giving, respectively.
-
9.
A systematic review and network meta-analysis of incentive- and non-incentive-based interventions for increasing blood donations
Irving AH, Harris A, Petrie D, Mortimer D, Ghijben P, Higgins A, McQuilten Z
Vox sanguinis. 2020
-
-
-
-
Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Blood services are tasked with efficiently maintaining a reliable blood supply, and there has been much debate over the use of incentives to motivate prosocial activities. Thus, it is important to understand the relative effectiveness of interventions for increasing donations. MATERIALS AND METHODS This systematic review used a broad search strategy to identify randomized controlled trials comparing interventions for increasing blood donations. After full-text review, 28 trials from 25 published articles were included. Sufficient data for meta-analysis were available from 27 trials. Monetary incentives were assumed to be equivalent regardless of value, and non-monetary incentives were assumed to be equivalent regardless of type. Non-incentive-based interventions identified included existing practice, letters, telephone calls, questionnaires, and the combination of a letter & telephone call. A network meta-analysis was used to pool the results from identified trials. A subgroup analysis was performed in populations of donors and non-donors as sensitivity analyses. RESULTS The best performing interventions were letter & telephone call and telephone call-only with odds ratios of 3.08 (95% CI: 1.99, 4.75) and 1.99 (95% CI: 1.47, 2.69) compared to existing practice, respectively. With considerable uncertainty around the pooled effect, we found no evidence that monetary incentives were effective at increasing donations compared to existing practice. Non-monetary incentives were only effective in the donor subgroup. CONCLUSION When pooling across modes of interventions, letter & telephone call and telephone call-only are effective at increasing blood donations. The effectiveness of incentives remains unclear with limited, disparate evidence identified.
PICO Summary
Population
Blood donors and non-donors (25 studies).
Intervention
Monetary incentive based interventions for increasing blood donation.
Comparison
Non-monetary incentive based interventions for blood donation.
Outcome
The best performing interventions were letter & telephone call and telephone call-only with odds ratios of 3.08 and 1.99 compared to existing practice, respectively. With considerable uncertainty around the pooled effect, we found no evidence that monetary incentives were effective at increasing donations compared to existing practice. Non-monetary incentives were only effective in the donor subgroup.
-
10.
What are the perspectives for blood donations and blood component transfusion worldwide? A systematic review of time series studies
Oliveira EM, Reis IA
Sao Paulo Med J. 2020;138(1):54-59
Abstract
BACKGROUND Analysis of the literature suggests that changes relating to blood donations and blood component transfusion are occurring due to the aging of the population. OBJECTIVE To gain better understanding of the demand and supply of these inputs over time, and to identify the main associated demographic characteristics. DESIGN AND SETTING Systematic review conducted on time series relating to blood donations and blood component transfusions worldwide. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted based on articles that presented time series relating to blood donation or blood component transfusion. RESULTS We found 1,814 articles. After the deletion process, only thirteen were read. Overall, these suggested that there is increasing demand for blood components and decreasing donation. The existence of seasonality regarding blood donation was pointed out. Men usually donated more blood and demanded more blood components than women. Approximately 50% of blood transfusions were performed in people aged ≥ 60 years. CONCLUSIONS This analysis on articles that presented time series relating to blood donations and blood component transfusion showed that aging of the population was the main factor associated with the increasing demand for blood and the decreasing supply of blood.
