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Improving the donation experience and reducing venipuncture pain by addressing fears among whole‐blood and plasma donors
Author(s) -
Gilchrist Philippe T.,
Thijsen Amanda,
Masser Barbara M.,
France Christopher R.,
Davison Tanya E.
Publication year - 2021
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.16407
Subject(s) - venipuncture , anxiety , donation , medicine , psychological intervention , blood donor , vasovagal syncope , randomized controlled trial , physical therapy , psychology , anesthesia , psychiatry , reflex , immunology , economics , economic growth
Background Fear of blood donation is implicated in vasovagal reactions, donor recruitment, and retention. This study examined the extent to which fear among donors is associated with various donor outcomes in an Australian sample, and whether fear can be addressed on‐site to reduce adverse reactions and improve the donation experience. Study design and methods Six hundred and sixty‐four donors (age M = 33.4, SD = 12.7; 55% female) participated in a two‐center, pragmatic, parallel group, individually randomized controlled trial. Following donor registration and consent, whole‐blood (n = 539) and plasma (n = 125) donors were assigned to one of four Conditions: control; fear assessment; fear assessment + brochure; fear assessment + brochure + tailored conversation focused on any self‐reported fear and coping strategies. Post‐donation questionnaires assessed the donors' experience including positive support, donor self‐efficacy, anxiety, fear, venipuncture pain, and vasovagal reactions. Results Fear among donors predicted higher venipuncture pain, post‐donation anxiety, and vasovagal reactions and remained significant after controlling for other established predictors (i.e., total estimated blood volume, age, sex, and donation experience). Mediational analyses showed that exposure to brochures (with or without the tailored conversation) was associated with less pain, with this effect mediated by donor perceptions of more positive support. Venipuncture pain was also associated with vasovagal reactions, reduced likelihood of return within 6 months, and less satisfaction with the donation experience. Conclusion The current results underline the importance of interventions to address fear among both whole‐blood and plasma donors to secure the safety and well‐being of donors and the blood supply.