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Journal of Transfusion Medicine
2021, tom 14, nr 3, 93–110
DOI:10.5603/JTM.2021.0007
ORIGINAL ARTICLE Copyright © 2021 Via Medica
ISSN 1689-6017
eISSN 2080-1505
Retrospective analysis of selected aspects
of public blood transfusion service activities
as a starting point for assessment of the status
of transfusion medicine in Poland.
Part 2: Demographic characteristics of
the population who donated blood/blood
components for clinical use in the period 1997–2017
Agata Mikołowska , Jolanta Antoniewicz-Papis
Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
Summary
Background. Demographic changes in Poland, mainly population ageing and the health status
of the general population, have direct impact on the number of donors/donations, and therefore
on the possibility of securing appropriate amounts of blood and blood components for clinical use.
The health status of the population is largely affected by diseases responsible for donor deferral.
Recent years have witnessed increment in the percentage of temporary donor deferrals due to
various types of allergies, civilization diseases, drug intake as well as frequent travels to areas
threatened with new and emerging pathogens likely to be transmitted through blood transfusion.
The first and crucial step towards safe blood/blood components and recipient safety is rigorous
donor qualification.
The structure of the population of Polish donors is not homogeneous, moreover has undergone
changes during the period under investigation. It is therefore worthwhile to analyze the dyna-
mics of changes in the number and structure of the donor population to determine the direction
and intensity of the phenomenon both in spatial and temporal terms. Equally important is
identification of the possible causes.
The study aim is to present the demographic characteristics of the donor population found eligible
for donation and donated blood/blood components for clinical purposes in the years 1997–2017.
Material and methods: Records for the period 1997–2017 included about 11 million volun-
tary donors of blood/blood components for clinical use and 31.000 remunerated donors. Most
study analyses were based on data from the 2005–2017 as not all relevant data were available
for the period 1997–2004 period.
In the 2005–2017 period donations were collected from over 87% of donors who reported to all
RBTCs. Slight year-to-year differences were observed (from approx. 85% to 94%). Donations
were mainly collected from voluntary un-remunerated donors (99.8%).
Adres do korespondencji: dr n. med. Agata Mikołowska, Instytut Hematologii i Transfuzjologii, ul. I. Gandhi 14, 02–776 Warszawa,
tel.: (22) 349 63 91, e-mail: amikolowska@ihit.waw.pl
Translation: mgr Krystyna Dudziak
This article is available in open access under Creative Common Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) license, allowing to
download articles and share them with others as long as they credit the authors and the publisher, but without permission to change them in any way or use them commercially.
https://journals.viamedica.pl/journal_of_transfusion_medicine 93Journal of Transfusion Medicine 2021, vol. 14, no. 3
The largest number of donors eligible for donation was reported in 2005 (94.1%), and the
smallest in 2015 (84.2%).
Deferred from donation were 22.0% of women willing to donate and only 9.2% of men. Similar
tendency was observed for each year of the study period.
Results: Study outcome shows reversal of trends for donor age groups; currently most donors
are recruited from the 25–44 age category while several years back it was the youngest age
group.
For many years now actions promoting voluntary blood donation have been ongoing in Poland.
Study-outcome shows big differences in numbers of blood donors reporting to individual
RBTCs. Despite many years of nationwide voluntary blood donation promoting campaigns,
it is the regional policy of donor acquisition and retention that counts most.
Conclusions: A problem that sooner or later will have to be faced by most countries (Poland
included) is the decline in the number of working-age population.
The demographic structure of the population within areas of activity of each RBTC should be
subjected to in depth analysis and include the characteristic microeconomic and demographic
conditions as well as macroeconomic and demographic conditions for neighbor regions and the
country as a whole. Decisions regarding marketing strategy could then be taken.
The research outcome may be a valuable source of information to support effective management
of donor service and effective planning of marketing strategy targeted at donors and prospective
blood donors.
Key words: demographic changes, blood donors, blood transfusion service,
regional blood transfusion centers
J. Transf. Med. 2021; 14: 93–110
Introduction situation as well as the health condition of the po-
pulation in terms of diseases responsible for donor
The primary goal of the modern blood trans- deferral [2]. Recent years have witnessed incre-
fusion service worldwide is provision of adequate ment in the percentage of temporary deferrals
amounts of safe blood components for clinical use related to various types of allergies, civilization
as well as raw material for manufacture of blood diseases, drug intake as well as frequent travels
products. A well- functioning blood transfusion to areas threatened with new pathogens that might
service is also an extremely important precondition be transmitted through blood transfusion and pose
for health-care efficiency. The critical success fac- an epidemiological threat [3].
tor here is to secure a sufficient flow of motivated, The Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Po-
voluntary, unremunerated blood donors [1]. land (ECAP) — survey demonstrated a steep rise
Demographic changes ongoing in our country, in the incidence of allergic diseases in recent years,
mainly population ageing, have direct impact on the especially bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay
number of donors/donations, and consequently on fever). The latest ECAP data show these allergies to
securing appropriate amounts of blood/blood com- occur in approximately 30–40% of the Polish popu-
ponents for clinical use. The observed changes are lation. The problem is now so serious that experts
related not only to the decline in birth rates. Other are talking about an “allergy epidemic”. The Euro-
factors that limit the population of potential donors pean Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
involve migration of young people as well as the (EAACI) predicts that by 2025 as many as 50% of the
modern lifestyle that affects physical and mental European population will struggle with some type
health of the general population. of allergy. By 2050, according to World Allergy Or-
The health condition of the population in ge- ganization (WAO) forecasts, there will be 4 million
neral has significant impact on the population of people around the world suffering from allergy. In
blood donors. The number of donors and donations Poland, the number of people suffering from aller-
is closely related to the country’s demographic gies doubles on average every 10 years [4].
94 https://journals.viamedica.pl/journal_of_transfusion_medicineAgata Mikołowska, Jolanta Antoniewicz-Papis, Retrospective analysis of selected aspects of public blood transfusion service activities
An interesting and significant indicator of Rigorous donor qualification is the first and ex-
national health and condition of the health-care tremely important step in obtaining safe blood and
system are changes in the dynamics of sickness blood components, and ensuring recipient safety.
absenteeism. In 2018, 21.5 million medical certi- It is known for a fact that the structure of the
ficates of temporary incapacity due to own illness population of Polish donors is not homogeneous
for a total of 277.3 million days were registered and has been undergoing changes during the period
in the Medical Certification Register of the Com- under investigation (1997–2017).
prehensive IT System of the Social Insurance In light of the above, it seemed worthwhile to
Institution (KSI ZUS). As compared to 2017, this analyze the dynamics of changes in the number and
is an increase by approx. 0.5% (21.4 million) and structure of the donor population who actually dona-
a decrease in the total number of days by approx. ted blood/blood components and also to determine
1.4% (288.3 million). In 2018, medical certificates the direction and intensity of the phenomenon both in
were mainly issued to people aged 30–39 (over spatial and temporal terms. It is extremely important
5.6 million), also 20–29 and 40–49 (4.3 million to identify the possible causes of the ongoing changes.
in each group respectively). The most common This is the second work in the series of publications
causes of absence were: osteoarticular disorders presenting selected aspects of the activity of Polish
(15.4%), injuries and poisoning (13.8%) as well as blood transfusion service the aim of which is to assess
respiratory diseases (13.5%). Mental and nervous the status of transfusion medicine in Poland. The first
system disorders were quite a large category (8.0% work in the series was devoted to the demographic
and 7.6%, respectively) [5, 6]. characteristics of the donor population reporting for
Another serious problem affecting the general blood donation to the Regional Blood Transfusion
health condition of the population is overweight Centers (RBTC) in the years 2005–2017 (no matter
and obesity, the latter defined as the risk factor for whether the donation was finalized or not) [9].
occurrence of many chronic conditions including The next work in the series will be devoted
cardiovascular diseases, several cancers, type 2 to the characteristics of donations collected from
diabetes as well as premature mortality. The re- donors in the years 1997–2017.
sults of the 2017 Global Burden of Disease Study
point to obesity as one of the most serious total Aim
risk factors for diseases in the Polish population [7].
Most recent data on the prevalence of over- The study aim is to present the demographic
weight and obesity in Poland are from the autumn characteristics of the donor population found eligible
2018 study of the National Institute of Public He- for blood donation and donated blood/blood compo-
alth — National Institute of Hygiene (NIZP–PZH). nents for clinical purposes in the years 1997–2017.
The study was conducted as part of the National
Health Program on a random sample of 3,000 Materials and methods
Polish citizens representative in terms of age,
sex and place of residence. The study outcome Research was based on data forwarded to the
revealed excessive body weight in 58.8% of men Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine
and 41.1% of women; obesity in 11.2% and 11.3%, (IHTM) by 21 RBTCs.
respectively [8]. The raw material for statistical analysis con-
All the diseases mentioned above are criteria sisted of reports on RBTC activities sent every
for deferral from blood/blood component donation. year to IHTM.
During recruitment of blood donors, BTCs actively The following tools were used for data prepa-
promote pro-health behavior/activities, rational ration and analyses: Microsoft Access, Microsoft
diet, avoidance of risky behavior (including risky Excel and Microsoft Power Business Intelligence
sexual behavior) as well as regular check-ups. All (Power BI). A detailed description of the statistical
the above contribute to upgrading the public health material and methods was presented in the first
care system. publication [9].
From the point of view of public health, sha-
ping of pro-health behavior is of utmost importance, Results
as risky behavior may generate health and social
Characteristics of donors found eligible for
problems and negatively impact on the quality of
donation of blood and blood components for clinical
blood and blood components, and ultimately on
purposes are presented below.
recipient safety.
https://journals.viamedica.pl/journal_of_transfusion_medicine 95Journal of Transfusion Medicine 2021, vol. 14, no. 3
10.8 mil 31.0 thous
voluntary donors/donated remunerated donors/donated
5 thous blood for clinical purposes blood for clinical purposes
600 thous
607.2 thous
606.1 thous
604.8 thous
603.9 thous
602.1 thous
597.9 thous
595.3 thous
589.8 thous
587.5 thous
581.8 thous
4 thous
557.5 thous
500 thous
522.7 thous
500.9 thous
448.0 thous
3 thous 400 thous
423.6 thous
412.1 thous
407.2 thous
404.4 thous
378.4 thous
375.6 thous
363.1 thous
300 thous
2 thous
200 thous
1 thous
100 thous
0 thous 0 thous
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
voluntary donors/donated blood for clinical purposes remunerated donors/donated blood for clinical purposes
Figure 1. Voluntary and remunerated donors who donated blood/blood components for clinical purposes (1997–2017)
100%
80%
60%
99.97%
99.98%
99.97%
99.98%
99.98%
99.95%
99.88%
99.86%
99.86%
99.84%
99.80%
99.77%
99.74%
99.58%
99.51%
99.48%
99.43%
99.32%
99.33%
98.80%
98.74%
40%
20%
0%
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
voluntary donors/donated blood for clinical purposes remunerated donors/donated blood for clinical purposes
Figure 2. Percentage of voluntary and remunerated donors who donated blood/ blood components for clinical pur-
poses (1997–2017)
According to available data, the total number of period. 99.8% of all donors who donated blood/blood
voluntary donors who donated blood/blood compo- components for clinical purposes were voluntary
nents for clinical purposes in 1997–2017 amounted while remunerated donors were only 0.2% (Fig. 3).
to approximately 11 million; the total number of
remunerated donors was estimated at only 31,000. Donors who donated blood/blood
The number of voluntary donors had grown steadily components and donors not eligible
and in the recent years has reached an number for blood donation
of approximately 600,000 per year. In the recent In the period under analysis, 87.2% of all vo-
years, the number of remunerated donors is only luntary donors who reported to the RBTCs were
100–150 per year (Fig. 1). found eligible for donation (7.6 million); in 12.8%
In consecutive years of the 1997–2017 period, of cases (1.1 million) donations were not finalized
the percentage of voluntary donors was almost (Fig. 4).
100% (Fig. 2). The year-to-year analysis demonstrates that
In order to compare the numbers of donors who the percentage of voluntary donors who donated
did donate blood/blood components with those who blood/blood components oscillated within the range
reported to the RBTC declaring willingness to donate, of 85–94%. The largest number of donors found
data for the 2005–2017 period was allocated for further eligible for donation was in 2005 (94.1%), and the
analysis, as no data was collected for the 1997–2004 smallest in 2015 (84.2%) (Fig. 5).
96 https://journals.viamedica.pl/journal_of_transfusion_medicineAgata Mikołowska, Jolanta Antoniewicz-Papis, Retrospective analysis of selected aspects of public blood transfusion service activities
17.2 thous
donors finalized donation more frequently and the
(0.2%) tendency continued throughout the study period
(Fig. 8).
The reports for individual RBTCs also show
that men were more frequently found eligible for
donation than women (Fig. 9).
Within the total of 7.5 million donors found
eligible for donation, 5.6 million (73.8%) were men
while women were less than 2 million (26.2%)
(Fig. 10).
voluntary donors/donated Donor age
blood for clinical purposes 7557.4 thous (99.8%)
For the purpose of analysis, data with regard
remunerated donors/donated blood for clinical purposes
to donor age was divided into two groups: data
Figure 3. Voluntary and remunerated donors who do-
for 2005–2010 (Group 1) and data for 2011–2017
nated blood/blood components for clinical purposes; (Group 2).
cumulative data for 2005–2017
Group 1
The first group comprised donors divided
into 4 age categories: 18–30, 31–45, 46–65 years,
1.1 mil and one group of ”under 18 and above 65”. The
(12.8%)
latter age group was disregarded in the analysis
as it was by far the least numerous. Figures 11
and 12 present the number of voluntary donors
who donated blood/blood components (women
and men respectively), broken down into age
groups. By far the most numerous group were
donors aged 18–30 (both men and women),
while the least numerous category were donors
7.6 mil
aged 46–65.
voluntary donors/donated
blood for clinical purposes (87.2%) The figures below present the percentage of
voluntary donors/failed to donate blood for clinical purposes women and men who donated blood/ blood compo-
nents for clinical purposes broken down into age
Figure 4. Percentage of donors who donated blood for groups versus donors who failed to donate. The
clinical purposes and those who failed to finalize dona- data demonstrates that most women deferrals
tion, cumulative data 2005–2017 (medical reasons or self-deferral) occurred in the
youngest age group, i.e. 18–30 (17.4%), followed
A similar tendency was observed in indivi- by 31–45 (15.8%) and 46–65 (14.5%). The highest
dual RBTCs. The largest number of donors found number of deferrals for men was recorded in the
eligible for donation was reported in Szczecin 46–65 (8.3%) and 18–30 (8.0%) age groups, while
(91.8%), while the lowest in Lublin (79.2%) the lowest was observed in the 31–45 (7.8%) age
(Fig. 6). group (Figs. 13–15).
Men and women Group 2
Donations were collected from 78% of women The second group included donors divided
who reported to donate blood/blood components; into 5 age categories: 18–24, 25–44, 45–65, under
approximately 1/4th of the female population willing 18 and over the age of 65. The last two age groups
to donate did not finalize donation. In the case of were disregarded in the analysis as they were by far
men, only 9.2% were deferred. Figure 7 presents the least numerous. Data shows that most female
data for women and men found eligible for donation donors were in the 18–24 age group (the exception
and those who did not finalize donation. is 2017, when most female donors were recruited
The year-to-year analysis of the percentage from the 25–44 age group).The smallest number of
of women/men found eligible for donation and female donors was recorded in the 45–65 age group.
deferred from donation demonstrates that male In the case of men, donors in the 25–44 age group
https://journals.viamedica.pl/journal_of_transfusion_medicine 97Journal of Transfusion Medicine 2021, vol. 14, no. 3
100%
5.9% 7.5% 9.9% 11.5% 11.9% 11.5% 13.4% 14.3% 15.2% 15.7% 15.8% 15.4% 14.8%
80%
60%
94.1% 92.5% 90.1% 88.5% 88.1% 88.5% 86.6% 85.7% 84.8% 84.3% 84.2% 84.6% 85.2%
40%
20%
0%
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
voluntary donors/donated blood for clinical purposes voluntary donors/failed to donate blood for clinical purposes
Figure 5. Percentage of donors who donated blood/blood components and those who did not finalize donation
(2005–2017)
100%
9.1% 9.6% 8.9% 11.7% 9.6% 11.7% 10.3% 9.3% 10.9% 8.9% 8.2% 11.4% 10.4%
13.8% 13.6% 14.3% 15.9% 16.2%
17.8% 20.8% 18.6%
80%
60%
90.9% 90.4% 91.1% 88.3% 90.4% 88.3% 89.7% 90.7% 89.1% 91.1% 91.8% 88.6% 89.6%
86.2% 86.4% 85.7%
40% 82.2% 79.2% 81.4% 84.1% 83.8%
20%
0%
k z e z h a ra
to oszc ańsk alisz wic elce ków blin ódź ztyn pole nań ibór dom szów psk ecin rzyc zaw cław Gó
łys g d K to Ki ra Lu Ł ls O oz ac a e łu zcz ł b rs r o a
Bia By
d G K a K O P R R R z S S W
a W
a W ielo n
Z
voluntary donors/donated blood for clinical purposes voluntary donors/failed to donate blood for clinical purposes
Figure 6. Percentage of donors who donated blood/blood components and those who did not finalize donation, bro-
ken down into RBTCs, cumulative data (2005–2017)
most often donated blood/blood components (with 28% and almost 12%, respectively. However, it
the exception of 2005 when the largest number of should be noted that the percentage of men in the
donors was recruited from the youngest age group youngest group who failed to donate was merely
— 18–24). Like for women, the lowest number of 0.7% higher than in the 45–65 age group (Figs.
donors was reported in the 46–65 age group (Figs. 18–20).
16 and 17). The figure below presents summary of data
The figures below present the percentage of referring to numbers of donors in age categories
women and men who donated blood/ blood compo- in Group 1 and Group 2. As already mentioned,
nents for clinical purposes broken down into age the data demonstrates that in Group 1, the most
groups versus donors who failed to donate. numerous donor population was in the 18–30 age
Data shows that the highest percentage of category, while in Group 2 the trend changed and
women and men who failed to donate was recorded the most numerous group were donors in the 25–44
in the youngest age group and amounted to over age category (Fig. 21).
98 https://journals.viamedica.pl/journal_of_transfusion_medicineAgata Mikołowska, Jolanta Antoniewicz-Papis, Retrospective analysis of selected aspects of public blood transfusion service activities
Women (W) Men (M)
0.56 mil (22.0%) 0.56 mil (9.2%)
1.98 mil
(78.0%) 5.58 mil
(90.8%)
W donors/donated blood for clinical purposes M donors/donated blood for clinical purposes
W donors/failed to donate blood for clinical purposes M donors/failed to donate blood for clinical purposes
Figure 7. Percentage of women and men eligible for donation vs those who did not finalize donation, cumulative data
2005–2017
Women (W) Men (M)
2005 90.0% 2005 94.6%
2006 87.1% 2006 94.1%
2007 83.1% 2007 91.6%
2008 80.7% 2008 91.2%
2009 80.9% 2009 91.0%
2010 80.9% 2010 90.4%
2011 77.9% 2011 90.6%
2012 77.8% 2012 89.7%
2013 74.1% 2013 89.7%
2014 73.2% 2014 89.6%
2015 73.6% 2015 89.2%
2016 73.5% 2016 89.7%
2017 74.5% 2017 89.9%
0% 50% 100% 0% 50% 100%
W donors/donated blood for clinical purposes M donors/donated blood for clinical purposes
W donors/failed to donate blood for clinical purposes M donors/failed to donate blood for clinical purposes
Figure 8. Percentage of women and men who donated blood/blood components vs those who did not finalize dona-
tion (2005–2017)
Discussion In the period 2005–2017, donations were
collected from over 87% of donors who reported
The presented study analysis indicates that to RBTCs with the intention of donating blood.
the donor population in Poland is not homogenous Slight year-to-year differences were observed
in terms of structure. Moreover, several significant (from approx. 85% to 94%). Donations were mostly
changes were determined over the period under collected from voluntary un-remunerated donors
analysis. (99.8%) as recommended by global and European
https://journals.viamedica.pl/journal_of_transfusion_medicine 99Journal of Transfusion Medicine 2021, vol. 14, no. 3
Women (W) Men (M)
Białystok 89.4% Białystok 90.5%
Bydgoszcz 80.9% Bydgoszcz 93.8%
Gdańsk 67.6% Gdańsk 89.2%
Kalisz 82.6% Kalisz 94.5%
Katowice 80.1% Katowice 91.3%
Kielce 78.1% Kielce 89.4%
Kraków 83.5% Kraków 93.6%
Lublin 64.4% Lublin 85.1%
Łódź 80.4% Łódź 89.9%
Olsztyn 81.2% Olsztyn 92.9%
Opole 77.3% Opole 83.1%
Poznań 76.5% Poznań 90.8%
Racibórz 82.9% Racibórz 93.5%
Radom 78.0% Radom 88.7%
Rzeszów 78.9% Rzeszów 92.4%
Słupsk 81.9% Słupsk 94.3%
Szczecin 83.4% Szczecin 94.6%
Wałbrzych 80.4% Wałbrzych 92.0%
Warszawa 72.1% Warszawa 89.2%
Wrocław 74.2% Wrocław 88.4%
Zielona Góra 83.3% Zielona Góra 91.9%
0% 50% 100% 0% 50% 100%
W donors/donated blood for clinical purposes M donors/donated blood for clinical purposes
W donors/failed to donate blood for clinical purposes M donors/failed to donate blood for clinical purposes
Figure 9. Percentage of women and men eligible for donation and deferred from donating blood/blood components
broken down into RBTCs, cumulative data 2005–2017
not collected from > 12% of persons who declared
willingness to donate (data from all RBTCs dur-
1.98 mil ing the whole period under analysis). Most likely
(26.2%)
reasons for not finalizing donations were either
medical deferral (temporary or permanent) or
self-deferral, the former being more frequent. The
frequency and cause for medical deferral were not
the subject of this analysis. In this study, attention
was focused on the change in the number of donors
deferred from donation in individual RBTCs over
5.58 mil
the 2005–2017 period. According to study results
(73.8%) this number is growing every year. In 2005, 5.9% of
donors were deferred from donating blood but over
W donors/donated blood for clinical purposes the five year-period under analysis the percentage
M donors/donated blood for clinical purposes increased from over 14% in 2012 to almost 16%
in 2017. Differences were also observed among
Figure 10. Percentage of women and men who donated RBTCs. In the whole period under analysis, the
blood/blood components for clinical use, cumulative greatest number of donors were found eligible for
data 2005–2017 donation in RBTC in Szczecin (almost 92%), while
the smallest number in RBTC in Lublin (slightly
above 79%). In all RBTCs women were deferred
guidelines according to which blood transfusion from blood donation much more frequently than men.
service in every country should depend entirely Among the possible reasons for differences
on un-remunerated voluntary donation of blood and in the number of deferrals among RBTCs, some
blood components. Blood/blood components were are undoubtedly related to the health condition of
100 https://journals.viamedica.pl/journal_of_transfusion_medicineAgata Mikołowska, Jolanta Antoniewicz-Papis, Retrospective analysis of selected aspects of public blood transfusion service activities
Women (W)
115.1 thous
104.9 thous
100 thous 89.5 thous 94.1 thous
76.2 thous 81.2 thous
50 thous
34.5 thous 36.0 thous
27.4 thous 30.8 thous
20.0 thous 22.6 thous
9.5 thous 11.0 thous 12.5 thous 14.2 thous 13.0 thous 12.6 thous
0 thous
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
18–30 age 31–45 age 46–65 age
Figure 11. Women in different age groups (group 1) (2005–2010)
Men (M)
250.4 thous 258.2 thous 256.4 thous
243.8 thous
232.3 thous
221.2 thous
200 thous
128.0 thous 131.5 thous 123.7 thous
111.3 thous 113.8 thous 119.0 thous
100 thous
61.6 thous 63.7 thous 64.1 thous 66.1 thous 61.6 thous 58.8 thous
0 thous
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
18–30 age 31–45 age 46–65 age
Figure 12. Men in different age groups (group 1) (2005–2010)
Women (W)18–30 Men (M)18–30
118.6 thous (17.4%) 126.3 thous (8.0%)
1462.2 thous
(92.0%)
561.0 thous
(82.6%) M donors/donated blood for clinical
purposes _18–30
W donors/donated blood for clinical purposes _18–30 M donors/failed to donate blood for clinical
W donors/failed to donate blood for clinical purposes_18–30 purposes_18–30
Figure 13. Percentage of women and men aged 18–30 eligible for and deferred from donation, cumulative data
2005–2010
the population of the region as well as the health It seemed reasonable to perform a detailed
condition of the Polish population in general. The analysis of data regarding the numbers and reasons
recent years have witnessed an increasing ten- for deferral as well as the place of imposing defer-
dency for temporary deferral due to i.a. various ral (RBTC headquarters, local collection site or
types of allergies, civilization diseases, and drug mobile collection). It also seemed worthwhile to
consumption [3]. identify as many reasons for deferral as possible
https://journals.viamedica.pl/journal_of_transfusion_medicine 101Journal of Transfusion Medicine 2021, vol. 14, no. 3
Women (W) 31–45 Men (M) 31–45
61.2 thous
32.1 thous
(7.8%)
(15.8%)
171.3 thous (84.2%)
727.3 thous
W donors/donated blood for clinical
(92.2%)
purposes _31–45
M donors/donated blood for clinical purposes _31–45
W donors/failed to donate blood
for clinical purposes_31–45 M donors/failed to donate blood for clinical purposes_31–45
Figure 14. Percentage of women and men aged 31-45 eligible for and deferred from donation, cumulative data
2005–2010
Women (W) 46–65 Men (M) 46–65
12.3 thous 33.9 thous
(14.5%) (8.3%)
72.7 thous (85.5%) 375.8 thous (91.7%)
W donors/donated blood
for clinical purposes _46–65
M donors/donated blood for clinical purposes _46–65
W donors/failed to donate blood
for clinical purposes_46–65 M donors/failed to donate blood for clinical purposes_46–65
Figure 15. Percentage of women and men aged 46–65 eligible for and deferred from donation, cumulative data
2005–2010
in order to explain the significant differences that 28 member countries of the European Union in
occur, despite uniform, strictly defined donor eli- the years 1994, 2002, 2009 and 2014. The results
gibility criteria. Moreover, the analysis of the most clearly indicate that over the period significant
frequent reasons for temporary and permanent changes occurred in the frequency of blood dona-
deferral among blood donors may provide valu- tion in specific age groups. In 1994, 21.1% of do-
able information on the health condition of these nors were recruited from the youngest age group
potentially most healthy representatives of the (18–29); in 2014 — only 14.2%. The percentage of
general society. donors in the 30–44 age category also decreased
In addition, the study outcome indicates re- (from 39.1% in 1994 to 30.9% in 2014), while in
verse of the trends in donor age groups; several the 45–54 and 55–65 age categories increase was
years back the highest number of donors was re- recorded (from 23.0% to 24.9% and from 16.7% to
cruited from the youngest age group while current- 30.1% respectively) [10].
ly the most numerous is the 25–44 age category. The reversal of trends and the decline in the
A similar tendency was described by Wittock number of donors from the youngest age category
et al. in a cross-country and periodical publication is reason for great concern. Undoubtedly, more
which provides answers to the question “Who effective ways of reaching new donors, especially
donates?” The data for the study come from the the youngest ones, should be sought. Rapid tech-
Eurobarometer database, and the analysis covered nological advancement, especially mobile com-
102 https://journals.viamedica.pl/journal_of_transfusion_medicineAgata Mikołowska, Jolanta Antoniewicz-Papis, Retrospective analysis of selected aspects of public blood transfusion service activities
Women (W)
97.6 thous
89.4 thous
120 thous
85.8 thous
83.2 thous
82.9 thous
79.4 thous
76.7 thous
76.2 thous
76.0 thous
72.4 thous
100 thous
67.9 thous
67.4 thous
67.0 thous
58.4 thous
80 thous
60 thous
16.0 thous
15.0 thous
14.7 thous
13.2 thous
13.2 thous
12.7 thous
12.5 thous
40 thous
20 thous
0 thous
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
18–24 age 25–44 age 45–65 age
Figure 16. Women in each age group (group 2) (2011–2017)
Men (M)
247.7 thous
239.8 thous
236.0 thous
225.0 thous
300 thous
217.7 thous
217.2 thous
193.7 thous
188.5 thous
250 thous
167.1 thous
154.3 thous
154.1 thous
142.3 thous
132.3 thous
200 thous
120.7 thous
150 thous
57.2 thous
55.3 thous
54.9 thous
54.5 thous
53.1 thous
52.7 thous
51.9 thous
100 thous
50 thous
0 thous
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
18–24 age 25–44 age 45–65 age
Figure 17. Men in each age group (group 2) (2011–2017)
munication may contribute to radically improve represents a huge potential for promotion of vol-
new-donor recruitment and help to retain the untary blood donation.
already active donors. Social media are one of the Numerous studies and publications investigate
means of communicating with donors, especially the use of mobile communication technologies in
the youngest ones. Facebook is an example of upgrading donor recruitment and retention. In
a social media network used to connect with oth- a 2016 study, Yuan et al. sent out e-mail invita-
ers, to create “topic” groups . Under ”Voluntary tions to blood donors in a large metropolitan area
Blood Donor” dozens of comments have been to participate in an online survey. The survey was
posted. As of June 7, 2021, the “Honorary Blood designed to assess their readiness and interest
Donor” group is most numerous and brings to- level for a blood donation mobile application. A total
gether over 48.2 thousand users. It is a valuable of 982 respondents of various age groups were sur-
source of information on donor satisfaction with veyed, among whom 87.3% declared having ready
the visit to RBTC or problems experienced dur- access to smart phones. Among the donors in the
ing donation. Donor entries are a good source of study group, e-mail was chosen by (62.1%) as the
information for RBTCs staff and support them in preferred method when contacted by the blood
upgrading the quality of donor service. On the center, followed by SMS (10.1%). Overall, 67.7% of
other hand, large groups of social media users respondents indicated that they were likely to use
https://journals.viamedica.pl/journal_of_transfusion_medicine 103Journal of Transfusion Medicine 2021, vol. 14, no. 3
Women (W) 18–24 age Men (M) 18–24 age
144.3 thous
(11.9%)
231.2 thous
(28.1%)
590.7 thous
(71.9%)
1064.5 thous
(88.1%)
W donors/donated blood for clinical purposes 18–24 M donors/donated blood for clinical purposes 18–24
W donors/failed to donate blood for clinical purposes 18–24 M donors/failed to donate blood for clinical purposes 18–24
Figure 18. Percentage of women and men aged 18–24 eligible for and deferred from donation, cumulative data
2011–2017
Women (W) 25–44 age Men (M) 25–44 age
151.0 thous
(8.8%)
139.7 thous
(22.2%)
489.6 thous
(77.8%)
1571.9 thous
(91.2%)
W donors/donated blood for clinical purposes 25–44 M donors/donated blood for clinical purposes 25–44
W donors/failed to donate blood for clinical purposes 25–44 M donors/failed to donate blood
for clinical purposes 25–44
Figure 19. Percentage of women and men aged 25–44 eligible for and deferred from donation, cumulative data
2011–2017
a blood donation mobile application. Likelihood did tion of male donors was significantly higher than of
not significantly differ by sex or ethnicity and the women (7:3). Additionally, women were more likely
impact of educational level was limited. However, to be deferred; for many years now the deferral ra-
donors over 45 years of age were less likely than tio for women was about 7: 3 versus 9: 1 (for men).
younger donors to use the app (p = 0.001), and mul- There are many factors that contribute to this
tiple donors with at least 5 lifetime donations were state of things. Legal regulations for one; women
more likely than less frequent donors to use such are allowed to donate whole blood up to 4 times
an application (p = 0.02). Donors who previously a year, men — up to 6 while the interval between
made donation appointments via phone or website donations cannot be shorter than 8 weeks1. More-
were equally likely to use such an application. The over, women are more likely to be temporarily
results of the study demonstrate that donors are deferred from donation due to pregnancy, recent
open to using new mobile communication technolo- childbirth or miscarriage, breastfeeding, menstrua-
gies, including mobile applications to manage their tion, low body weight (< 50 kg), low hemoglobin
donations [11]. concentration or iron deficiency. Although imposed
Equally important is to take on measures to out of concern for donor safety, each deferral (even
increase the number of women willing to donate
1Regulation of the Minister of Health of September 11, 2017 on the
blood/blood components. Our analysis indicates
conditions for collecting blood from candidates for blood donors and
that throughout the entire study period, the popula- blood donors (Dz.U. 2017 poz. 1741)
104 https://journals.viamedica.pl/journal_of_transfusion_medicineAgata Mikołowska, Jolanta Antoniewicz-Papis, Retrospective analysis of selected aspects of public blood transfusion service activities
Women (W) 45–65 age Men (M) 45–65 age
47.8 thous
24.3 thous (11.2%)
(20.0%)
97.3 thous (80.0%)
379.6 thous (88.8%)
W donors/donated blood for clinical purposes 45–65 M donors/donated blood for clinical
purposes 45–65
W donors/failed to donate blood for clinical purposes 45–65
M donors/failed to donate blood for clinical purposes 45–65
Figure 20. Percentage of women and men aged 45–65 eligible for and deferred from donation, cumulative data
2011–2017
700 thous
600 thous
75 thous 71 thous 70 thous 68 thous 67 thous
68 thous 65 thous 68 thous
80 thous 70 thous
77 thous
500 thous
75 thous
71 thous
166 thous 160 thous
159 thous 247 thous
400 thous 146 thous 284 thous
136 thous 293 thous 285 thous 312 thous
131 thous 316 thous
324 thous
300 thous
200 thous
363 thous 372 thous
333 thous 344 thous
297 thous 314 thous
291 thous
256 thous 240 thous
237 thous 225 thous
100 thous 212 thous 193 thous
0 thous
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
donors (male and female) in the 18–30 age donors (male and female) in the 18–24 age
category/donated blood for clinical purposes category/donated blood for clinical purposes
donors (male and female) in the 31–45 age donors (male and female) in the 25–44 age
category/donated blood for clinical purposes categorydonated blood for clinical purposes
donors (male and female) in the 46–65 age donors (male and female) in the 45–65 age
category/donated blood for clinical purposes category/donated blood for clinical purposes
Figure 21. Comparison of donors who donated blood/blood components (group 1 and group 2) broken down into
age groups, 2005–2017
temporary) stirs emotions and negatively impacts to take a closer look at the factors that demotivate
on future donor return. Research studies show that Polish women from donating blood as well as to un-
women have a more emotional attitude to deferral; dertake measures to expand the number of women
at the same time they are more willing to donate in the population of donors. Identification of the
for altruistic reasons. Additionally, women more reasons why women less often decide to donate may
often express anxiety with regard to blood donation help to plan a more effective marketing strategy,
and the possible donation-related adverse events including promotion of voluntary blood donation
and reactions [10, 12]. The situation in Poland is in targeted at women and more educational campaigns
line with the global trends, however it is advisable focused on specific topics. The problem may not
https://journals.viamedica.pl/journal_of_transfusion_medicine 105Journal of Transfusion Medicine 2021, vol. 14, no. 3
only be of medical or legal nature but may also result again. Among 13,877 participants who had never
from insufficient information. In light of the current donated blood, 7.814 (56.3%) declared readiness
state of knowledge, women who were pregnant or to become blood donors. It was demonstrated that
transfusion recipients must be deferred or found > 60% of study participants from the majority
eligible to donate only selected blood components of EU countries (with the exception of Portugal,
because of the risk of immunization with HLA anti- Malta, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary
gens which may put recipients at risk of transfusion and the Balkan countries) declared willingness to
related acute lung injury (TRALI) [13, 14]. donate blood in the future; the values ranged from
It is very important to take on effective mea- 41.9% in Slovakia to 80.1% in Sweden; 63% of Pol-
sures to persuade people to donate blood for the ish respondents declared readiness to donate blood
first time and to motivate donors to make regular in the future. The study revealed that on the EU
and repeat donations. Undoubtedly, multiple do- territory there are large groups of underinformed
nors ensure greater safety for the entire health people who may be regarded as potential donors.
care system as their decision to donate is more The authors indicate that in the current demo-
conscious and less spontaneous. In this group of do- graphic situation young men seem to be the main
nors infectious diseases are less frequent and so is target group as they can donate blood more often
risky behavior therefore the risk of transmission of than women. It was also found that respondents
infectious agents with donated blood is potentially who were already blood donors with children were
the lowest. For this reason, marketing activities more willing to donate blood, which indicates that
and campaigns promoting voluntary blood dona- partnership and parenthood strengthen the sense
tion should be concentrated not only on attracting of social responsibility and altruistic attitudes. In
new donors, but also on encouraging people to the donor populations under survey (eg. in the
donate blood on a regular basis. For this purpose, Netherlands) there were very few single young
it is necessary to investigate the determinants of people which is indicative of the need to implement
the willingness to donate blood. Research on the new recruitment strategies and measures to reach
subject is going on worldwide. Huis in ‘t Veld et this particular target group. Social media were
al. conducted a cross-country research aimed at pointed out as one the possible recruitment paths.
describing the determinants of blood donation will- For development of effective and personalized
ingness in the European Union with the assumption recruitment strategies, the authors clearly empha-
that the readiness to donate depends on personal size the necessity of concentrating on factors both
characteristics, beliefs and motivations, as well as motivating and demotivating potential donors, as
on the cultural context. The aim of the study was these can be shaped unlike factors such as gender
to investigate whether the willingness to donate and age. It is also advisable to improve educational
blood varies across European populations and if strategies to increase overall confidence in blood
so, to explain the variability in terms of factors at transfusion service and motivate people to donate
individual and national level. The study was part of blood, especially in countries with low trust in
the 2014 round of the country-comparative survey, transfusion therapy. In all countries the number of
collected on behalf of the European Commission. participants who clearly indicated money motiva-
The study sample consisted of 27,868 participants tion was very low. The authors therefore suggest
from 28 EU Member States interviewed for the that in individual countries attention should be
readiness to donate, personal motivation and directed at educational and recruitment strategies
incentives. Some respondents (2.8%) refused to to increase general awareness regarding blood
answer the question about their donation history safety and reasons of blood shortages rather than
and the willingness to donate blood. They were on material incentives [15].
excluded from the study sample. Respondents in Topics related to motivating blood donors
the age range of 15–70 were included because the were also studied by another group of scientists.
authors were interested in the answers of only In 2020, Fosgaard et al. published a manuscript
those who declared willingness or would soon in Transfusion under an intriguing title “Can text
be able to donate blood; people aged > 70 years messages save lives? A field experiment on blood
(17.5%) were excluded from the sample. The donor motivation”. The idea was to send text
study sample subjected to analysis (n = 22,348). messages to blood donors when their donation
The results of the study demonstrated that 37.9% has helped a patient. The studies were large scale
(n = 8,471) of all respondents had already donated (n = 20,365) and included Danish blood donors
blood, 6,434 (76%) of which were willing to donate (Copenhagen region) randomly divided into two
106 https://journals.viamedica.pl/journal_of_transfusion_medicineAgata Mikołowska, Jolanta Antoniewicz-Papis, Retrospective analysis of selected aspects of public blood transfusion service activities
groups; one group received the SMS, the other at retaining a constant number of conscious and
did not. Study outcome demonstrated that the responsible donors of blood and blood components.
messages increased subsequent donations by 3.6% The action is targeted at: adult citizens, school
compared with donors who did not get SMS; the children and high school students, employers and
campaign proved more effective among plasma entrepreneurs within the framework of corporate
donors (p = 0.003) than whole blood donors (p = social responsibility, medical entities and diagnostic
0.554). It was also shown that optimizing the time laboratories, as well as clubs and associations
of day when the SMS were sent increased the working for voluntary blood donation. As part of
effect substantially; SMS sent in the evening were this task, nationwide promotional and educational
much more effective than messages sent in the activities are undertaken to retain current donors
morning or afternoon. This type of SMS campaign but also to encourage interest in voluntary blood
has already been implemented in blood banks in donation for potential donors [18].
Denmark (South Jutland) as well as in countries This study-analysis indicates large differ-
such as: Australia (Brisbane and New South Wales), ences in numbers of blood donors reporting to
Ireland, Sweden (Dalarna and Stockholm) and the individual RBTCs. This means that despite many
United Kingdom [16]. The experiment confirmed years of nationwide campaigns promoting voluntary
that computer systems and electronic tools create blood donation, it is the regional policy of donor
new opportunities of reaching blood donors for acquisition and retention that still counts most.
more effective motivation to subsequent donations. In some RBTCs (Racibórz) promotional activities
Martín-Santana et al. used a different approach. are extremely effective as the numbers of people
A total of 2,383 non-donors were enrolled in the reporting to donate blood increase year-to-year.
study (n = 2,383). The aim was to identify the It would therefore seem advisable for RBTCs to
motivating and demotivating factors that influence exchange experience and good practices related to
the decision to donate blood for the first time. To promotion of voluntary blood donation and donor
this end, a survey was conducted among Spanish recruitment to increase the number of donors
citizens of both sexes older than 18 years. It turned throughout the country.
out that in the study population of “non-donors” The decline in the working-age population
there were more women (74.3%) than men (25.7%). is a problem that sooner or later will have to be
Most respondents were below 36 years (68.3%), faced by most countries including Poland. The
had higher education (60.4%), were employed demographic situation in individual regions of
(57.0%) with monthly income < 2.000 EUR. The Poland is diversified. The data published by the
study group was divided into 6 clusters according Central Statistical Office (GUS) indicate that for
to barriers and motivations. It turned out that the many years the highest percentage of people aged
decision to donate blood for the first time is influ- ≥ 65 years has been recorded in the Łódzkie and
enced by many intrinsic and extrinsic factors and is Świętokrzyskie provinces (województwo), the low-
not easy to make. Marketing strategies addressed est — in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie province. The
to each group separately were then designed [17]. statistics does not apply to residents of rural areas;
For many years now actions promoting the highest numbers of elderly people are recorded
voluntary blood donation have been ongoing in Podlaskie (18.0%), and the lowest in Pomorskie
in Poland. The aim is to spread knowledge and provinces (11.3%). Long-term GUS forecasts are
convey the importance of blood therapy as well that in 2030 the Świętokrzyskie, Opolskie and
as to motivate society to donate blood. Such Łódzkie provinces will be inhabited by ¼ of the
actions are best illustrated by health policy population aged ≥ 65; the highest increment of
program for consecutive years ensuring the self- elderly people (by 7.7% as compared to 2017) will
sufficiency of the Republic of Poland in blood be noted in the Warmińsko-Mazurskie province
and blood components, the last edition of which [8]. Of utmost importance is therefore an in depth
is “Ensuring the self-sufficiency of the Republic of analysis of the demographic structure of the popu-
Poland in blood and blood components for the years lation within the area of activity of each RBTC. This
2021–2026”. The general aim of the program is to area of activity does not always cover the area of
ensure national self-sufficiency in blood and blood the province so demographic analysis at the level
components, while 2/5 specific objectives are of the district (powiat) is called for. The analysis
directed at increasing social awareness with regard should include the microeconomic and demograph-
to voluntary blood donation and healthy life style ic conditions characteristic for the region, as well
of blood donors. The activities are primarily aimed as macroeconomic and demographic conditions for
https://journals.viamedica.pl/journal_of_transfusion_medicine 107Journal of Transfusion Medicine 2021, vol. 14, no. 3
neighbor regions and the whole country. A decision on the whole process of blood/ blood component
on further marketing strategy can then be made. donation [19].
It is also extremely important to retain the largest Good quality of the blood donation process
possible number of regular donors. For this pur- is of utmost importance not only for the safety of
pose, it is advisable for each RBTC to design and donors, recipients and blood components but also
regularly disseminate donor satisfaction surveys. because high quality service directly impacts on
The process of data acquisition and analysis will be donor’s satisfaction and reinforces his trust and loy-
more effective if RBTCs rely on IT mechanisms. alty. Melián Alzola and Martín Santana conducted
The results of such research is a valuable source research on a group of over 30,000 Spanish blood
of information to indicate the areas of activity that donors in order to determine the impact of the
are appreciated by donors, and those that require quality of the blood collection process on the level
upgrading or change. They also support effective of donor satisfaction. They noted that the impact
management of donor service and contribute to of donation process-quality is the subject of inter-
more effective planning of marketing strategy est not only in the health care system, but also in
targeted at donors and prospective blood donors. the field of service and quality management. Some
Effective marketing and promotion for blood authors even suggest that the experience from
donation has been described at length in the pub- customer service may support donor service and
lication of W. Drozd [12]. The author presents top- help blood centers provide excellent donor service
ics related to social marketing in blood donation, and improve performance in the blood center. The
the value and importance of communication with authors also indicate that management of blood
donors and the role of marketing communication donation still remains largely unexplored due to
for donor recruitment in Poland. The publication is the specific nature of the service. In contrast to
undoubtedly an important contribution to discus- traditional marketing where companies provide
sion on how to use social marketing for effective products or services, in blood donation, it is the
recruitment of blood donors. donor who offers a “product”, i.e. a voluntary blood
Effective donor service is another topic widely donation. The “client” is therefore both the sup-
discussed in recent literature. Scientists worldwide plier of the “product” and the recipient of the ser-
rely on various evaluation methods to investigate vice rendered by the blood donation center. Many
the level of donor satisfaction. They also use donors perceive certain risks and inconveniences
modern methods and tools often based on big-data related to the donation process e.g. fear of the
analyses to upgrade work in blood banks and the needle, time pressure, long distances from place
quality standards of donor service. As early as of residence to donation center, all of which affect
2010, Testik et al. used data mining for discovering donor trust and readiness to donate. The authors
both daily and hourly donor arrival patterns at the point to the lack of trust in the blood service as the
Hacettepe University Hospital’s Blood Center (An- most likely reason for no intention to return (to
kara, Turkey). They found that long waiting time is donate). Pursuant to the above, the study proposes
one of the frequently mentioned disturbances of the and validates a scale to measure the quality of dona-
blood donation process. They assumed that donor tion process. Analysis of the results demonstrated
service can be much improved with shorter waiting how the quality of the donation process as a ser-
time and adaptive workforce. Study data covered vice affects three donor-related result indicators
a 3 year- period (January 1, 2005 — December 31, (satisfaction, trust and loyalty). Conclusions from
2007) and was obtained from the hospital ICT data- this analysis may help to formulate recommen-
base. A total of 84,094 records was analyzed (one dations for activities aimed at providing donors
record = one donor visit). In many blood centers with positive experiences from visiting the blood
there are no fixed appointments for collecting blood donation center, and upgrading the effectiveness
and donors report any time during the center’s and efficiency of staff performance as reflected in
working hours. The authors therefore concluded donor retention, “recruitment” and development
that periodic overload is unavoidable, especially at of targeted marketing strategies. As outcome of
constant workforce size and variable numbers of literature review and meetings with industry ex-
donors reporting for donation at various hours. An perts, Melián-Alzola and Martín-Santana designed
overloaded system is usually associated with long a theoretical scale for measuring the quality of
waiting hours, and when the number of donors is donation process. It is a four-structure dimension
small, the personnel is idle. Both conditions are with its respective attributes: individual approach
considered disadvantageous, with negative impact (e.g. staff training, a friendly, polite treatment), tan-
108 https://journals.viamedica.pl/journal_of_transfusion_medicineAgata Mikołowska, Jolanta Antoniewicz-Papis, Retrospective analysis of selected aspects of public blood transfusion service activities
gibles (e.g. cleanliness of the facilities and comfort), sis shows that despite the overall positive opinion
accessibility (easy access to the donation center, on the performance of blood donation centers,
easy- to- find location) and post- donation actions there are still areas related to donor service that
(e.g. staff thanks donors after donation, feedback require upgrading [21].
on clinical use of blood donation). As result of the Melián Alzola and Martín Santana recom-
above, it was concluded that the quality of the dona- mend that the blood transfusion centers express
tion process must evaluate the different stages of gratitude to the donor by sending thank-you letters
donor experience at the donation center. It should or messages. It may also be advisable to acquaint
also assess various issues, ranging from social and donors with statistics and reports on the clinical
technical abilities of personnel to the design and use of their donations [20]. Polish blood donors
state of facilities. The study confirmed the impact also report the need for maintaining contact with
of service quality on donor satisfaction; each visit at RBTC. This indicates that such activities improve
the blood donation center may have either positive donor satisfaction and encourage them to return
or negative impact on donor loyalty and his willing- for subsequent donation [21].
ness to return. On the other hand, each donor visit Results of the presented analyses lead to
is an opportunity for the blood donation center to the conclusion that individual RBTCs should
increase his trust in the blood transfusion service. be advised to prepare as many forecasts as pos-
Better risk management, simplified procedures, sible, including donor availability for the coming
professional image, kindness and empathy of the months/years. Forecasting should be perceived
staff, cleanliness of the facilities and short waiting as an important step in the process of decision-
time may largely contribute to the quality of donor making. For the purpose of analysis and forecast
service and positive opinion of performance at the retrospective data should be used, provided they
blood center. It is important for the blood donation are accessible and of adequate quality. It is also
center to win donor confidence and strengthen his recommended to calculate the repeat donation rate
loyalty, which should be the ultimate goal [20]. for men and women in various age groups and to
The level of donor satisfaction with the quality adapt marketing strategies to the situation in each
of the donation process was also assessed among RBTC. The eligibility and deferral coefficients in
Polish blood donors. The study was conducted in RBTCs should be calculated to find the reason for
all 23 Polish RBTCs and comprised 4,000 com- the significant differences observed nationwide.
pleted questionnaires. Each questionnaire included Bearing in mind that donor’s satisfaction with his
24 questions evaluating the manner of registra- visit to the RBTC is the key element to the decision
tion, medical examination/testing, collection of to donate again it seems advisable to make every
blood and blood components and indicating room possible effort to adapt the organization of work at
for improvement in each category. The outcome blood transfusion center to the needs of the donor
showed that 90.7% of the respondents perceived (“friendly” donation hours, schedules of mobile col-
the staff of the blood transfusion center as friendly lection teams, etc.). It is equally important to make
and competent, > 70% assessed the service as attempts at implementing modern technological
efficient and professional, almost 50% — reliable, solutions to help donors plan their visits to RBTCs
and 28% — satisfactory. According to 83.5% of e.g. a mobile application for donors. Computer
the respondents the donor service in RBTCs was systems and electronic devices are tools that open
very good, 16% — good, and 0.05% evaluated the new pathways of reaching blood donors for more
service as satisfactory. Every third donor indicated effective motivation for first time donation as well
that there should be space for children at the blood as donor retention.
center, and > 50% would be pleased with feedback
from RBTC after donation. In answer to the ques- References
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plified donor questionnaires. The indicated areas ka podstawowych wskaźników dotyczących krwiodawstwa
for improvement also included: shorter queues to i krwiolecznictwa w Europie — aktualne wyzwania i działania.
donate (slightly > 30%), more registration stands J Transf Med. 2015; 8(2): 60–77.
and better comfort (almost 30%) as well as more 3. Zapewnienie samowystarczalności RP w krew i jej składniki
doctors qualifying for donation (> 20%). The analy- na lata 2015-2020 - Ministerstwo Zdrowia - Portal Gov.
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