Gone, but haven't forgotten: insights on plasmapheresis donation from lapsed donors

Abstract

Background and Objectives Blood Collection Agencies in several countries have implemented strategies to increase the number of plasmapheresis collections. Despite this, a sizable minority of plasma donors lapse from donation each year, with little research conducted on this topic. An understanding of the plasma donation experience from the perspective of lapsed donors, insights into why they stopped donating and their views on returning to donate may provide opportunities to intervene to increase the retention and reactivation of plasma donors. Materials and Methods A qualitative approach was used in this study, with 17 lapsed plasma donors (no plasma donation for at least 13 months) interviewed. A purposive recruitment strategy was used to obtain a sample with diversity in gender (47% men), age (M = 36·2 years, SD = 13·6) and donation experience (M = 9·2 years, SD = 9·6). Semi‐structured, narrative interviews were conducted, with participants describing their plasma donation careers chronologically from first donation to most recent. Results The majority of participants described at least some aspect of the plasma donation procedure as unpleasant. However, adverse experiences were only attributed to lapsing in a minority of cases, with other participants reporting significant life events, perceived ineligibility and concerns about the safety of the procedure as the reason why they lapsed. Conclusion It is common for lapsed plasma donors to intend to donate again in the future. Recommendations are given for strategies to address barriers to returning, noting the potential role of tailored education and support.

Motivators, facilitators, and barriers to blood donation in Australia by people from ethnic minority groups: Perspectives of sub-Saharan African, East/South-East Asian, and Melanesian/Polynesian blood donors

“…Subsequently, the findings do not reflect the personal views and experiences of people who have never donated. Nevertheless, a strength of this study was the high number of participants that were lapsed donors (25%) – a group who are traditionally hard to recruit to research studies (Thorpe et al, 2020). Consequently, this study gained first-hand knowledge of the barriers to donation from former donors.…”

Plasmapheresis and Plasma Donation: Challenges in the Blood/Plasma Supply Chain

“…15 Among lapsed plasma donors in Australia, the most common reason (10 of 17) was a life event that made donation inconvenient (eg, moving to a new house, changing jobs, having children). 17 Australian plasma donors who reverted to whole-blood donation most often did so because of the time required for plasma donation, or because of excessive questioning and paperwork. 19 In a large study of Australian plasma donors, rates of return for further donations were significantly (p < 0.01) lower after the occurrence of syncope (46% returned), presyncope (71%), a citrate reaction (87%) or phlebotomy injuries (88%) compared with donors who had an uncomplicated donation (92%).…”

“…15 Among lapsed plasma donors in Australia, the most common reason (10 of 17) was a life event that made donation inconvenient (eg, moving to a new house, changing jobs, having children). 17 Australian plasma donors who reverted to whole-blood donation most often did so because of the time required for plasma donation, or because of excessive questioning and paperwork. 19…”

“…15 In the study of lapsed plasma donors in Australia, 5 of 17 individuals indicated that temporary changes in eligibility had disrupted their donation practice. 17…”

“…The scarce data available from plasma donors suggest that the main reasons for discontinuation are usually socioeconomic, rather than concerns directly related to the donation process (Table 1). [15][16][17][18] In particular, the relatively long time required for the plasma donation process often conflicts with donor work or family commitments. Other reasons include excessive paperwork or changes in eligibility.…”