Donation Experience Research Articles

Fear of donation-related stimuli across different levels of donation experience and types of donation (whole-blood and plasma): A cross-sectional study in Italian donors.

Donation-related fears are prevalent even among regular donors and can hinder both recruitment and retention. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of these fears in Italian whole-blood and plasma donors, across different levels of donation experience. A sample of 615 voluntary, unpaid donors from Italy (64.1% male, mean age 45.42 ± 11.80 years) completed an online survey assessing their fear of common donation-related stimuli (fear of blood, needles, pain, and fainting), experience of vasovagal symptoms at the last donation, and their intention to donate again. Donors were grouped based on donation history and their most recent donation type (whole-blood or plasma). A significant negative relationship was found between donation history and most types of donation-related fears, suggesting that greater experience corresponds to reduced fear. Plasma donors reported lower levels of fear across all stimuli compared to whole-blood donors. Despite this, nearly one-third of the most experienced whole-blood donors and 20% of plasma donors still reported some level of fear. Greater fear was associated with increased reports of pain and vasovagal symptoms during donation, regardless of donation type. However, no significant association emerged between donation-related fears and the intention to donate again. Donation-related fear persists even among experienced donors, for both whole-blood and plasma donors. Given its potential to impact donor comfort and retention, the assessment and management of donation-related fears should be integrated into donor care, with appropriate strategies to help donors regulate their fear throughout their donation careers.

Under pressure: Care, capacity and organ donation

In this paper, I seek to theorise the concept of pressure in relation to families’ experiences of organ donation during COVID-19. Drawing on Australia-based fieldwork, I follow circuitries of pressure in and beyond interiorities of bodies, biographies and infrastructures of care to ask what happens when pressure builds to such an extent that there is no capacity left in bodies and in institutions. Pressure concentrates in some spaces and bodies more than others revealing uneven flows and restrictions to care. But how might a theorisation of pressure enable care to be imagined otherwise – to circulate differently? Extending recent care scholarship, I explore alternative versions of care enacted by families and clinicians involved in organ donation. This is an expansive and capacious care, which may offer potential to diffuse the force of pressure through radical interdependence.

A Global Experience of Donation after Circulatory Death for Pediatric Lung Transplantation.

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) lung transplantation has increased, but there is limited data in children. We sought to characterize the international experience of pediatric DCD lung transplant (LT) in comparison to donation after brain death (DBD) to address extreme donor organ shortages in children needing LT. Using the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) Thoracic Organ Transplant Registry, 1453 children (<18yo) LT recipients from January 2004 to June 2018 were identified: 34 (3%) were DCD and 1419 (97%) were DBD recipients. Post-transplant outcomes were compared between groups. Propensity score method was used to derive matched cohorts and were compared between groups. DCD and DBD recipients were of similar age, with cystic fibrosis being the most frequent indication for LT in both groups (64.5% vs. 57.5%, respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated similar survival between DCD and DBD cohorts, whereas propensity score-matched recipients also identified similar post-transplant survival in both groups (P=0.098). Secondary analysis found that DCD LT recipients had a longer post-transplant length of hospital stay (unmatched cohorts: 36.5d vs. 20d, p=0.022; matched cohort: 26d vs. 19d, p=0.016), and shorter time to acute cellular rejection (ACR) (unmatched cohorts: 248d vs. 560d, p=0.039; matched cohorts: 248d vs. 1650d,p=0.059). Due to DCD being a key contributor to the increasing number of lung transplants being performed worldwide, the results of this analysis support this organ donation approach in children requiring LT, which would increase access to donor organs. The identification of a potential shorter time to ACR needs further exploration as more DCD pediatric LTs are performed.

Transformative Learning Among Organ Procurement Organization Donor Family Volunteers.

Introduction: Some family members who previously made the decision to donate a family member's organs support the organ procurement organization (OPO) through volunteer work. Volunteers were asked to describe their family's organ donation story to educate the general and medical communities about organ donation. This study explored the transformative learning experienced by volunteers during and following the organ donation consent process and throughout their volunteer work. Methods/Approach: A narrative inquiry research methodology and transformative learning theoretical framework was used and 6 volunteers were recruited to participate. Two semistructured virtual interviews were conducted. Interviews were transcribed, radically reduced, and subjected to holistic-content and holistic-form narrative analysis. Findings: Participants experienced strong emotional responses during and after the loss of their family member, characterized as a period of disorientation, which lasted for an extended period preventing transformative learning. After the OPO contacted participants regarding the opportunity to volunteer, participants experienced a period of self-examination when they reengaged with the topic of organ donation. Critical reflection occurred through the act of storytelling about their family's organ donation story during their volunteer work. Storytelling to the community facilitated making meaning of their loss and transformations. Conclusion: Volunteering for an OPO played an important role by initiating self-examination and critical reflection of their prior assumptions. Through storytelling, participants reflected on their roles and made meaning of their organ donation experiences. The act of inviting donor families to reengage with the topic of organ donation through volunteer work fostered positive permanent meaningful transformations.

Experiences of Unanticipated Outcomes Among Ethnically Diverse Living Kidney Donors: A Qualitative Pilot Study.

Although living kidney donation is generally considered a safe procedure, it is ethically critical that prospective donors are fully informed before consent. However, prospective donors lack a deep understanding of the donation experience, making the postdonation aftermath feel unanticipated. We sought to gain in-depth qualitative descriptions of the short- and long-term risks and benefits associated with kidney donation among an ethnically diverse group of donors to offer a balanced view of the positive and negative experiences that may occur postdonation. We conducted individual narrative in-depth interviews (September 2020-March 2021) using the DIPEx (database of individual patient experiences) method with former living kidney donors primarily via Zoom. Fourteen donors (10 women; 8 White, 5 Hispanic, and 1 Native American) completed interviews. Interactions with healthcare providers leading up to donation were largely positive; however, lack of clarity regarding postdonation laboratory values among primary care providers led three participants to be erroneously told they developed kidney disease. Most experienced unanticipated outcomes, including postsurgical complications (e.g., hernia), long-term fatigue (i.e., ≥12 weeks), emotional distress (e.g., depression), hypertension, and gout. Difficulty obtaining life insurance following donation was an unexpected challenge. Despite these issues, participants were unanimously enthusiastic about living kidney donation and reported no regrets. Enthusiasm for living kidney donation remained high among all participants despite most experiencing negative outcomes. These findings suggest that greater transparency regarding postdonation experiences may not preclude the decision to move forward with living kidney donation. These narratives will be utilized for an online module of lived experiences of donation.

Tutors' perspective on the impact of their anatomy tutoring experience and ethics of body donation.

To explore the future of former anatomy tutors, their perception of the impact that the anatomy near-peer teaching (NPT) program have had on them, in terms of academic performance, professional development, personal growth, long-term anatomical knowledge, and views on body donor ethics. Additionally, we compared their academic performance with non-tutor peers in terms of ranking at the National Qualifying Examination (NQE). A voluntary survey was emailed to all anatomy tutors from 2005 to 2024, using an online Google Forms questionnaire including closed and open-ended questions across four themes. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to compare former tutors' NQE rankings to their peers. Forty-seven out of 48 tutors responded. Tutors reported a positive program impact, including improvements in technical skills (100%), teamwork (97.9%), communication (89.4%), and organizational skills (76.6%), and good long-term anatomical knowledge retention (85.7%). Dissection on body donors was deemed essential for anatomy learning while shaping professional and ethical values. Of the 36 residents/specialists, 38.9% ranked in the top 10% at the NQE, with a statistically significant higher rank than their peers (p = 0.0011), and 100% obtained their desired specialty. This results suggest that the anatomy NPT program significantly enhanced tutors' academic performance, technical skills, personal and professional development, and was useful to foster a positive perception of dissection on body donors and reinforced the importance of anatomical knowledge in clinical practice.

Formal and informal human milk donation in New Zealand: a mixed-method national survey

BackgroundMother’s milk provides optimal nutrition for infants. Donor human milk (DHM) is recommended for low birthweight infants when mother’s milk is unavailable. Little is known about human milk (HM) donation practices in New Zealand (NZ), where few HM banks are available. This study aimed to investigate parents’ and health professionals’ (HP) experiences with formal and informal HM donation in NZ.MethodsTwo electronic surveys were disseminated in 2022 to parents and HPs involved with HM donation in NZ. The surveys covered respondents’ views and experiences with HM donation. HPs were also asked about HM donation practices in their workplace. Chi-squared and Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact tests were used for quantitative analysis and qualitative data were thematically analysed using inductive approach.ResultsA total of 232 HP and 496 parents completed the surveys. Most parents either donated (52%) or sought DHM (26%) for their infant and most donations were informal, arranged between individuals (52%) or through hospital staff (22%). HP reported DHM was used in 86% of facilities, with only 20% of donations facilitated by HM banks. Almost half (48%) of HP stated they would like to use DHM in their workplace but access was limited. The most common screening processes undertaken by parents and HP before informal HM donation were lifestyle including smoking status, medication, drug and alcohol intake (44% and 36%, respectively) and serological screening such as CMV, HIV, Hepatitis C or B (30% and 39%, respectively). Pasteurisation of DHM obtained informally was not common. Most donors were satisfied with their HM donation experiences (informal and/or formal, 91%) and most respondents supported use of DHM in hospitals and community. Participants reported HM donation could be improved (e.g., better access) and identified potential benefits (e.g., species-specific nutrition) and risks (e.g., pathogens) for the infant. Potential benefits for the donor were also identified (e.g., altruism), but respondents acknowledged potential negative impacts (e.g., cost).ConclusionInformal HM donation in NZ is common. Most parents and HP support the use of DHM; however, improvements to current practices are needed to ensure safer and more equitable access to DHM.

The association between attitude towards facemasks, quality of donation experience and relationship with healthcare providers: A cross-sectional exploratory study.

Facemasks represent an essential measure of prevention against the spread of infectious diseases; however, they lessen the ability to convey and understand emotions through facial expressions. In blood donation settings, facemask wearing could interfere with professionals' tasks, reduce the satisfaction of blood donors and affect their future blood donation behaviour. This preliminary cross-sectional study explored the association of mandatory facemask wearing with the quality of the blood donation process at the end of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A sample of 615 voluntary unpaid Italian blood and plasma donors completed an online survey assessing their attitude towards facemask wearing, the perceived distress due to facemasks in the different steps of the donation process, self-reported vasovagal reactions after donation and the intention to donate again. Nearly 24% of donors reported a worsened quality of the donation process due to facemask wearing, and 36% reported moderate to severe distress during the donation itself. Donors with a more negative attitude towards facemasks reported a worse donation experience, mainly related to the interactions and the communication with physicians and nurses, and a higher probability of experiencing vasovagal reactions at their last donation. No significant correlations were observed between negative facemask attitudes towards facemask wearing, distress or future intention to donate blood/plasma. Facemasks have worsened the quality of blood and plasma donations for one fourth of donors, confirming the interference with the quality of communications and relationships with healthcare professionals.

Culturally Safe Care Barriers and Facilitators in Organ Transplantation and Donation According to First Nations and Health Professionals in Quebec, Canada.

Introduction: First Nations are most at risk of developing end-stage kidney disease. Kidney transplantation is the best treatment option for these patients; however, First Nations donors are underrepresented. The aim of this study was to describe and understand barriers and facilitators of culturally safe organ transplantation and donation from the perspective of First Nations and Health Professionals in the Province of Quebec, Canada. Methods/Approach: This was a qualitative descriptive study using the decolonizing Two-Eyed Seeing approach. The sample consisted of First Nations people and health professionals living in Quebec, Canada, who have had an experience of organ transplantation or donation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between May and September 2021 with 11 people, including 5 healthcare professionals and 6 First Nations people. Findings: This study enrolled 11 participants. Several individual and contextual factors influencing culturally safe organ transplantation and donation among First Nations people were identified: language barrier, impacts of relocation, lack of knowledge about transplantation, mistrust of the healthcare system, family support and accompaniment, and transplant testimonials. Discussion: This study identified several avenues for reinforcing culturally safe transplantation and donation among First Nations, including the presence of a companion in medical consultations, focusing on access to culturally safe accommodation and sharing transplant testimonials. Further work in partnership with First Nations is needed to improve access to culturally safe organ transplantation.

Promoting and creating feel-good positive experience among voluntary blood donors: An eight-step guide

Abstract: The safest way to meet our nation’s blood needs is through regular, repeat, voluntary, nonremunerated donors, as recommended by the National Blood Transfusion Council. While several innovative methods are needed to draw in and keep these willing blood donors, optimization of the fundamental donation procedures can guarantee a positive and pleasant experience for them and improve donor retention. To provide a steady and secure blood supply, we emphasize on eight step-by-step guidelines in this article to address the positive blood donation experience and assure donor comfort and safety.

Swiping to end hunger: the problematic politics of humanitarian donation apps

Abstract The emergence of humanitarian donation apps promises to revolutionize aid by making it easier for people to give to humanitarian causes with just a few swipes on the smartphone in the palm of their hands. Yet, little is known about the implications of this for the politics and ethics of contemporary aid. This article explores the politics of humanitarian donation apps through an in-depth study of the World Food Programme's donation app ShareTheMeal. By analysing data from a detailed app walkthrough and documentation in a user journal of the experiences of a sample of app users, the article shows how ShareTheMeal is designed to afford specific forms of everyday humanitarianism, and how users adopt, appropriate or resist these affordances. Doing so we find that, while ShareTheMeal affords a convenient and gratifying donation experience, it also reinvigorates racial and paternalistic divisions between donors as benevolent saviours and recipients as voiceless victims, and integrates users into an extractivist data economy. Hence, rather than revolutionizing aid, ShareTheMeal instead sediments unequal relationships of agency and dependency in and through everyday acts of helping. Yet, because of apps' openness to user resistance and change, another politics of humanitarianism is nevertheless possible.

Are blood donors satisfied with their donation experience? An evaluation based on the stages of blood donation in Cameroon

PurposeIn Cameroon's blood banks, the shortage of blood bags is difficult to overcome because of the lack of donor loyalty and the complexity of recruiting new donors. This study explores the possibility of retaining donors and turning them into prospectors by analysing their satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachA Servqual questionnaire was administered to a sample of 109 donors obtained by voluntary sampling. We used customer satisfaction to determine the satisfaction score and the tetraclass model to analyse the contribution of the elements to satisfaction.FindingsOur results show that the blood donor satisfaction score is low (60.33%) compared with the norm (80%). The post-donation follow-up stage is the factor with the greatest influence on improving blood donor satisfaction. The elements that require particular attention in the supervision of blood donors are the snacking and blood-taking stages, because they have a strong capacity to worsen donor satisfaction when they are badly perceived by donors.Originality/valueThe study focuses on aspects specific to the Cameroonian situation and sheds a unique light on blood donor satisfaction in this context, while offering a general understanding of this issue on an international scale.

What do medical students think of own participation as subjects in clinical trials?

Testing of new drugs through clinical trials is essential in efforts to increase generalizable knowledge. Little is known about the medical students' perception of their participation as research subjects in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to examine the willingness and attitudes of medical students towards participation as volunteer subjects in clinical trials. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 297 medical students in years 4, 5 and 6 at the University of Belgrade, from October to December 2023. Participants completed a pen-and-paper questionnaire including demographic characteristics, opinions on their participation in clinical trials, and attitudes towards clinical trials in general. The validity of the attitude scale was verified. One in five medical students expressed a positive opinion about their participation in clinical trials, with the majority (about one-half)remaining undecided. General attitudes of students about research and their participation were positive. Students with prior blood donation experience were more willing to participate. Lower socioeconomic status and volunteering experience were also associated with stronger positive attitudes towards clinical trials in general. Most students were undecided about their participation, but their attitudes towards clinical trials in general were positive. Positive attitudes towards clinical trials did not uniformly translate to the willingness for personal participation. Promotion of blood donation and volunteering at universities could help to increase the interest in clinical trials as volunteer subjects.

A Study of Key Factors Influencing the Willingness of RhD-negative Blood Donors to Donate Blood in Chongqing, China, 2017-2019

The importance of RhD-negative blood in clinical blood transfusion is becoming more and more prominent with the continuous advancement of medical technology, but the resources of blood donors are especially precious due to their rarity. As a densely populated area, the recruitment and retention of RhD-negative blood donors in Chongqing Municipality is crucial to ensure clinical blood supply. In this study, a questionnaire survey method was used to collect 1,200 valid questionnaires from RhD-negative blood donors in Chongqing Municipality during 2019-2021 by random sampling. The questionnaires covered the donors&amp;apos; knowledge of RhD-negative blood, knowledge of blood donation policy, motivation to donate blood, experience of blood donation and willingness to donate blood again. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software to explore the key factors affecting the willingness to donate blood through descriptive statistics and chi-square test. The results showed that factors such as donors&amp;apos; knowledge of RhD-negative blood, knowledge of blood donation policy, motivation and experience of blood donation significantly affected willingness to donate blood. Therefore, measures such as strengthening the publicity of RhD-negative blood knowledge, improving the blood donation policy, and upgrading the quality of blood donation services are recommended to promote the stable development of the RhD-negative blood donor workforce, to meet the urgent clinical demand for RhD-negative blood, and at the same time to enhance the satisfaction of the donors and the blood donation rate.

Donation barriers, enablers, patterns and predictors of milk bank donors in the United States and United Kingdom.

Pasteurised donor human milk is recommended for very low birthweight infants who do not have access to their mother's milk. Although the use of donor milk continues to increase, little is known about the donation experiences of milk bank donors. We aimed to describe and compare enablers, barriers and patterns of human milk donation and identify factors predicting donation volume in a convenience sample of approved milk bank donors in the United Kingdom and the United States. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from August 2022 to December 2022. Approved milk bank donors (n = 556) from three milk banks in the United States (n = 369, Mothers' Milk Bank of Florida, Mother's Milk Bank of North Texas and Northwest Mothers Milk Bank) and one milk bank in the United Kingdom (n = 187, Hearts Milk Bank) completed the survey. A substantial portion of donors in both settings reported participating in other forms of milk exchange (51% of U.S. donors vs. 39% of UK donors, p = 0.009). Top donation barriers reported in both settings were completing the serological screening and having enough space to store collected milk. Most donors started donating when their infant was 3 months old or older and reported donating mature milk. The most common source of information related to milk banking in each setting was the internet (United Kingdom-70% vs. United States - 63%, p = 0.112). Variables that predicted lifetime donation volume differed between the United States and the United Kingdom, highlighting the importance of setting-specific milk banking research.

Historical trends and current experiences of anatomical body donation in two Zimbabwean medical schools

BackgroundBody donation is integral to anatomy education, but procurement can be ethically fraught. While voluntary donation is preferred, the use of unclaimed bodies, although considered unethical, is a primary means for body procurement in some countries. This mixed methods study examined historical trends and anatomy technical staff perspectives on body donation in two Zimbabwean medical schools. Methodology and main findingsIn Phase 1, 194 cadaver paper records from January 1984 to January 2021 were reviewed. Unclaimed bodies accounted for 67% while 33% (all white Zimbabweans) were voluntarily donated. Most cadavers were black Africans (62.4%) followed by white Zimbabweans (34.0%). Race was not indicated in seven (3.6%) records. In Phase 2, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven technicians responsible for sourcing cadavers at the two institutions. Data were thematically analysed resulting in the development of eight themes, arranged into three domains. Cadaver procurement themes related to (1) cadaver source, (2) adherence to procurement guidelines, (3) screening for suitability, and (4) cultural and religious beliefs. Cadaver embalmment focused on (5) embalming practices, and (6) hospital mortuary-based embalming. Finally, (7) disposal processes and (8) resource constraints were found to influence cadaver disposal practices. ConclusionsContrary to best practice, there is continued reliance on the use of unclaimed bodies to support anatomy education in the two Zimbabwean medical schools. Improving the ethical sourcing of bodies requires increased efforts to educate all Zimbabweans, especially the black majority, about the role and importance of voluntary body donation in medical education. Additionally, well-structured, and well-resourced body donation programs could enhance ethical procurement.

Whose Aid is Beneficial to Firms' Exports? Evidence from a Post‐disaster Aid Experiment in China

AbstractPost‐disaster aid is widely regarded as important in helping local recovery and development. This paper examines the effectiveness of post‐disaster aid on exports, which are a driving factor of economic development. It reports a natural experiment in China – the case of post‐disaster aid following the Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 – to examine how donors' experiences affected the exports of manufacturing firms in disaster‐stricken counties. The export experience of the donor was important. Aid coming from donors with more export experience was more beneficial to the exports of firms in recipient counties than aid from less experienced donors. “Learning from the donor” is a potential channel through which this effect occurred. That is, firms in recipient counties learned from donors' export experience by exporting more products similar to those of donors, exporting more to the destination countries of donors, and participating in the donors' supply‐chain networks by exporting more of the donors' exports. Such “learning from the donor” effects show that knowledge spillover can occur between spatially distant parties, which complements the literature.

Donor complication rates in whole blood, plasma and platelet donors: Age versus experience.

Many blood banks use upper age limits for donors out of concern for a higher donor complication rate in older donors. Experienced donors are known to have lower donor complication rates, and older donors are often more experienced, confounding the effect of age on donor complication rate. We studied donor complication rates in whole blood, plasma, and plateletpheresis donors from 2012 to 2022. Donor complication rates were compared between age groups in inexperienced (<20th donation) and experienced (≥20th donation) donors. In addition to this direct comparison, we made use of logistic regression with finer-grained experience groups, to further quantify the effects of age, experience and other factors on donor complication rate. While overall rate of vasovagal reaction was lower, rate of moderate/severe vasovagal syncope was highest in 70-79 year donors, however, only reached significance for plasma donors. Furthermore, rates of failed stab were highest in this age group. Hematoma rate showed a U-shaped pattern with regard to age, where the rate was not higher in the 70-79 year age group than in the 18-23 year age group. Pain decreased with age, however, rates were higher in the 70-79 year age group than in the 65-69 year age group. When properly accounting for donor experience, donor complication rate profiles clearly change with age. The increased risk for moderate/severe vasovagal syncope in older donors should be clearly communicated. Extra caution is needed if these donors are accepted for first-time donations.

Knowledge, Attitudes, Willingness, and Associated Factors to Organ Donation Among Intensive Care Unit Health Care Workers: Findings of a Cross-Sectional Study

The lack of donor organs is a major barrier to the advancement of organ transplantation. This study aimed to understand the current status of knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to donate organs among intensive care unit (ICU) health care workers and analyzed the influencing factors to provide a scientific basis for improving the situation of a serious imbalance between the ratio of organ supply and demand. From November 2021 to March 2022, 160 ICU health care workers from 3 level 3A hospitals in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China were chosen as subjects by the cluster sampling method. A cross-sectional study of the participants was carried out using a general information questionnaire, Organ Donation Knowledge Scale, Organ Donation Attitude Scale, and Organ Donation Willingness Scale. The determinants of ICU health care workers' knowledge, attitudes, and willingness toward organ donation were examined using multiple linear regression analysis. A total of 150 ICU health care workers completed the survey within the prescribed time, and the recovery rate of this questionnaire was 93.75%. The score on the Organ Donation Knowledge Scale was 7 (5, 7) points, and the full score was 10 points. The score on the Organ Donation Attitude Scale was (3.87 ± 0.93), and the full score was 7. The Organ Donation Willingness Scale score was 2 (2, 3) out of 5. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis revealed that several factors significantly influenced the score of organ donation knowledge. These factors were identified as the professional title and persuasive experience related to organ donation. Additionally, the score of organ donation attitude was found to be influenced primarily by the persuasive experience of organ donation. Furthermore, the score of organ donation willingness was influenced by 3 main factors: marital status, professional title, and persuasive experience in the context of organ donation. Although the level of ICU health care workers' knowledge and attitudes toward organ donation was above the median level, they still needed to be improved. The current status of ICU health care workers' desire to donate organs is not optimistic; thus, relevant departments should take specific actions to improve the situation.

Classification of Living Kidney Donation Experiences on Reddit: Understanding the Sensitivity of ChatGPT to Prompt Engineering (Preprint)

Classification of Living Kidney Donation Experiences on Reddit: Understanding the Sensitivity of ChatGPT to Prompt Engineering (Preprint)