How do people become plasma and platelet donors in a VNR context?

Abstract

BackgroundThe demand for therapeutic plasma‐derived products poses a challenge to blood collection agencies (BCAs). In 2014–2015, the volume of plasma sent for fractionation met 17.7% of Quebec's needs for immunoglobulins. This article aims to offer an exploration of the paths blood donors follow in order to become plasma and platelet donors (PPDs).Study Design and MethodThis analysis is based on semi‐structured interviews with 50 PPDs in Quebec, Canada. Our analysis focused on the occurrence of events and the presence of contextual elements identified through: (1) factual data on PPDs; and (2) what PPDs identified as being an influence on their donation experience. This information was synthesized using a typology of trajectories.ResultsSix typical trajectories have been distinguished, first by the presence (19/50 respondents) or absence (31/50) of blood donation as a family tradition. Of the latter 31 donors, some pointed instead to inherited family values as having a significant influence on their commitment (11/31). Donors' careers were then distinguished as having started early (34) or late (16). Sub‐types then appeared with the addition of other contextual elements, motivation profiles, and circumstances under which the conversion to apheresis donation occurred.ConclusionOur findings suggest the existence of diversified donor trajectories, and confirm the importance of conducting more in‐depth analyses of the sequence of events occurring along PPDs career. BCAs should develop strategies carefully tailored to different potential clienteles if they wish to convert whole blood donors to apheresis donation, and also focus on recruiting and retaining young PPDs.

Bringing new plasma donors back: testing the efficacy of telephone and e‐mail communications with first‐time donors

“…For blood collection agencies (BCAs) committed to self-sufficiency via voluntary non-remunerated donation, it is crucial that donors are retained in the plasmapheresis panel in order for this demand to be met. This need to retain plasmapheresis donors remains a significant challenge for BCAs operating in voluntary non-remunerated contexts [3][4] .…”

Barriers and enablers to source plasma donation by gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men under revised eligibility criteria: protocol for a multiple stakeholder feasibility study

“…The United Kingdom Medical Research Council guidance on the development and evaluation of complex interventions highlights the importance of careful intervention development using appropriate theory and feasibility assessment prior to evaluation and implementation [ 21 ]. Although there are extant theories to draw from to understand first time blood donation (as it would be for most gbMSM), the application of behavioural science to source plasma donation is scant and, in Canada, source plasma donors are typically recruited from among whole blood donors [ 22 ]. Furthermore, the historical backdrop of exclusion of gbMSM from donation may have resulted in drivers that are unique to this population.…”

A review of whole‐blood donors' willingness, motives, barriers and interventions related to donating another substance of human origin

“…Six trajectories describing whole‐blood donors' donation of plasma and platelets were identified 61 . Trajectories included two defining features: family tradition (yes, no‐family values, no‐individual act) and age of first donation (early, late).…”