A brief motivational interview with action and coping planning components enhances motivational autonomy among volunteer blood donors

Abstract

Background In contrast to standard donor retention strategies (e.g., mailings, phone calls, text messages), we developed a brief telephone interview, based on motivational interviewing principles, which encourages blood donors to reflect upon their unique motivators and barriers for giving. The present study examined the effect of this motivational interview, combined with action and coping plan components, on blood donor motivations. Study Design and Methods The design was to randomly assign blood donors to receive either a telephone-delivered motivational interview with action and coping plan components or a control call approximately six weeks after their most recent donation. Participants completed a series of surveys related to donation motivation approximately 3 weeks before telephone contact (pre-call baseline) and then repeated these surveys approximately one week after telephone contact (post-call). Results The sample was 63% female, included a majority (52.6%) first-time blood donors, and had a mean age of 30.0 years (SD = 11.7). A series of ANOVAs revealed that, relative to controls (n=244), donors in the motivational interview group (n=254) had significantly larger increases in motivational autonomy (p=0.001), affective attitude (p=0.004), self-efficacy (p=0.03), anticipated regret (p=0.001), and intention (p=<0.001), as well as larger decreases in donation anxiety (p=0.01), from pre-call baseline to post-call assessment. Conclusion This study supports motivational interviewing with action and coping planning as a novel strategy to promote key contributors to donor motivation.

Fear of donation‐related stimuli is reported across different levels of donation experience

“…This could be followed by a combination of validation of the donor's concern, provision of social and emotional support, and specific suggestions for coping with the specific fear(s) expressed. Indeed, there is ample evidence that these strategies may help to reduce donor anxiety, increase donor confidence, and reduce risk for vasovagal reactions . Although existing studies have been conducted in relatively small samples, the present findings support the notion that these strategies should be tested widely in an effort to promote a safe and satisfying experience for as many blood donors as possible.…”

“…5,6 Similar benefits are also evident when recent donors are interviewed regarding potential concerns about future donations and then individualized coping plans are developed to address these perceived barriers. 7,8 Despite growing empirical support for the need to address donor fear, information regarding the nature and extent of these fears among current blood donors is limited. Accordingly, this study was designed to anonymously survey recent donors about their fear of common donation-related stimuli, including fear of blood, needles, pain, and fainting.…”

Applying self-determination theory to the blood donation context: The blood donor competence, autonomy, and relatedness enhancement (Blood Donor CARE) trial

“…Participants assigned to the autonomy group receive a brief telephone-based motivational interview that encourages donors to reflect upon their unique motivations for giving and how the act of donating is consistent with their broader life goals and values [40]. The intervention covers a series of topics, including: 1) individual motivations for giving, 2) the relationship between past donation behavior and the individual’s personal goals/values, 3) donation importance and confidence rulers (i.e., a motivational interviewing technique to enhance commitment), and, as appropriate, 4) implementation intentions that develop individualized “If…then…” action and coping plans regarding each participant’s preferred time and location for their next donation as well as any barriers to donating that they anticipate.…”

“…[49] To enhance follow-through, this component also encourages use of the New York Blood Center app or website that allows users to locate drives (by address, ZIP code, or current GPS/IP location) and schedule a donation date and time. Based on prior studies [40, 41], the average telephone interview is expected to last less than 15 minutes. With participant permission, these calls are recorded to allow for treatment fidelity assessment and ongoing interviewer supervision.…”

“…For instance, we have demonstrated that self-efficacy or feelings of competence as a blood donor is enhanced through exposure to coping materials that address common donor fears and concerns [17, 36–39]. We have also demonstrated that a brief telephone interview based on motivational interviewing principles, which encourages donors to reflect on their unique motivations for giving, has a positive effect on internal motivation [40] and subsequent donation behavior [41]. And most recently, we developed a social media intervention designed to increase perceptions of belonging or feelings of connectedness among donors [42].…”