How to Motivate Whole Blood Donors to Become Plasma Donors

Abstract

This study tested the efficacy of interventions to recruit new plasma donors among whole blood donors. A sample of 924 donors was randomized to one of three conditions: control; information only by nurse; and information plus self-positive image message by nurse (SPI). Participants in the control condition only received a leaflet describing the plasma donation procedure. In the two experimental conditions the leaflet was explained face-to-face by a nurse. The dependent variables were the proportion of new plasma donors and the number of donations at six months. Overall, 141 (15.3%) new plasma donors were recruited at six months. There were higher proportions of new plasma donors in the two experimental conditions compared to the control condition (P < .001); the two experimental conditions did not differ. Also, compared to the control condition, those in the experimental conditions (all Ps < .001) gave plasma more often (information only by nurse: d = .26; SPI: d = .32); the SPI intervention significantly outperformed (P < .05) the information only by nurse condition. The results suggest that references to feelings of SPI such as feeling good and being proud and that giving plasma is a rewarding personal experience favor a higher frequency of plasma donation.

Whole blood and apheresis donors in Quebec, Canada: Demographic differences and motivations to donate

“…This result underscores the unique nature of plasma/platelet donation, which is far more demanding than whole-blood donation. When behaviors are demanding, individuals must truly believe that there is a benefit to this behavior in order to take action [47,57]. In short, donors who engage in this type of donation practice seem driven more by benevolence than by altruism [58].…”

Motivational Differences between Whole Blood and Apheresis Donors in Quebec, Canada: A Questionnaire-Based Survey in a Voluntary Nonremunerated Context

“…The particular importance of indirect reciprocity for PPDs (“it gives me a sense of pride,” “I like to have goals”) also underscores the unique nature of a blood donation practice that is far more demanding than whole blood donation. When the personal cost is high, beliefs in personal benefits are more important for promoting actions [ 15 , 44 ]. In short, donors who engage in this type of donation practice seem driven more by benevolence than by altruism [ 58 ].…”

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

“…Psychological research suggests that different determinants have been associated with the intention to convert to apheresis: age, frequency of WB donations, feeling good and being proud, a sense of obligation, perceived social pressure, ease, and confidence . Personalized communications from the BCA were also positively associated with intention to convert . Critical belief analysis revealed that the family's influence was vital to conversion, but support of colleagues was more important to the continuation of plasmapheresis .…”

“…The majority of research on apheresis donation has focused on donors' socio‐economic profiles, conversion process, barriers (deterrents), and donors' motivations . Some of these studies were conducted in countries where remuneration for plasmapheresis or plateletpheresis is available .…”

“…Notwithstanding, in many VNR contexts, recruitment for apheresis is mostly done by soliciting whole blood donors . Psychological research suggests that different determinants have been associated with the intention to convert to apheresis: age, frequency of WB donations, feeling good and being proud, a sense of obligation, perceived social pressure, ease, and confidence . Personalized communications from the BCA were also positively associated with intention to convert .…”