The effectiveness of telephone surveys on the return of first‐time donors: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe management of blood supply depends, among other factors, on the effective remobilization of first‐time donors (FTDs). This study investigates the efficacy of telephone calls to increase second donation rates.Study Design and MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted on 418 first‐time blood donors. In the telephone group (TG, n = 206), men were contacted 9–10 and women 13–14 weeks after their first donation. They were asked about satisfaction and intention to return, and offered an appointment. The primary outcome was the return rate within 6 months after the first donation.ResultsThe mean age was 28.8 ± 10.0 years and 59.9% of FTDs were female. In the TG, 89.3% were reached. Approximately 50% of each group had donated a second time by 24.2 weeks for the control group (CG) and 14.8 weeks for the TG. The six‐month return rate was 65.0% in the TG and 54.3% in the CG (95%‐CI [0.9%; 20.6%]; p = .033). The restricted mean time to return within 6 months was 19.4 weeks in the CG compared to 17.2 weeks in the TG (95%‐CI [0.7; 3.7]; p = .004). The intervention effect tended to be larger in men than in women.DiscussionContacting FTDs by phone after their first donation increases the six‐month return rate and reduces the interval to a second donation. Male donors appear to be more receptive to this intervention. Whether the effect of the intervention helps to establish a donor identity in the long term should be the subject of further studies.