Motivation zur Vollblutspende während pandemischer Ereignisse

Weidmann, Christian; Derstroff, Marie; Müller-Steinhardt, Michael

During pandemics, the blood services must continuously recruit blood donors to maintain the supply of blood products. While the willingness to donate usually rises after other catastrophes such as earthquakes or terrorist attacks, a decline in the number of donors has been observed at the beginning of previous pandemics. Many donors fear infection or a weakening of their immune system and stay at home. Blood services find it difficult to organise the usual number of mobile donation appointments, which leads to a decline in donations. In the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, blood donations declined by more than 10% in many countries. Donors who continue to donate during a pandemic tend to be more experienced and already have an established donor identity. Many of these donors report that they want to contribute to overcoming the crisis. Thus, even during a pandemic, there is a high level of solidarity among blood donors. However, potential first-time donors are more likely to be deterred from donating by the uncertain conditions. Targeted recruitment strategies using social media channels are therefore needed to attract new donors. Initial findings among German blood donors suggest that current first-time donors have a high intention to return. To maintain the blood supply during a pandemic, the blood services should try to recruit first-time donors and quickly increase the number of their mobile donation appointments. Recruitment campaigns for experienced donors should reduce uncertainty and strengthen confidence in blood services. The greater the trust in the blood services, the lower the donorsʼ perception of risk. Alternative contact channels, such as messenger services, should also be tested.