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Transition to a 1‐year deferral for male blood donors who report sexual contact with men: staff perspectives at one blood collection organization
Author(s) -
Hughes Shana D.,
Custer Brian,
Laborde Nicole,
Sheon Nicolas
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1111/trf.14632
Subject(s) - deferral , blood collection , psychology , empathy , medicine , qualitative research , veto , family medicine , medical education , nursing , social psychology , political science , sociology , medical emergency , business , politics , social science , accounting , law
BACKGROUND Front‐line staff at blood collection organizations (BCOs) play important roles in keeping the blood supply safe, yet research on their professional practice and perspectives on training needs is sparse. This qualitative study explored these topics with regard to the then‐impending change in donor eligibility for men reporting sex with another man (MSM). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Semistructured, individual interviews with BCO staff (n = 13) in Northern California covered experiences of and opinions on indefinite deferral, the revised 1‐year deferral, and anticipated potential challenges arising from the new policy. Transcripts were thematically coded, using deductive and inductive approaches. Analysis identified recurrent and divergent themes. RESULTS Interviewees reported strong values of professionalism and respect for donors and supported the change to a 1‐year deferral for MSM donors. Nonetheless, nearly all voiced the need for more in‐depth training to maximize the likelihood of successful implementation. Specific recommendations included the use of role‐play, provision of science‐based talking points or FAQs, and empathy for donors and staff. CONCLUSION More than the usual training may be required to help BCO staff feel prepared to educate the public about changes to MSM‐related deferrals and communicate effectively with donors about potentially deferrable behavior. Overall, these findings suggest that before future policy changes, BCO staff's opinions about and role in implementing new donor eligibility screening procedures merit consideration.