Current practices for recruitment and retention of plasma donors across 17 countries: A short report

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Donated plasma is required for the manufacture of plasma medicines, which are essential for prophylaxis and patient treatment. Because of social, geopolitical or economic challenges, this important raw material can become at risk of supply interruption, leading to a lack of essential products for patients. The plasma supply chain depends on the willingness of individuals to donate. To increase the number of donors and donations, collection institutes use various information, recruitment and retention strategies to increase individual willingness to repeatedly donate plasma. In this short report, we provide an overview of current (plasma) donor recruitment and retention strategies across 17 European countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey, consisting of questions on information, communication, recruitment and retention efforts, was sent to collection institutes via e-mail. Between July and October 2023, 17 respondents replied to the survey on behalf of their organization. RESULTS: The majority of organizations (10) were governmental or state public bodies, while 5 were non-governmental or non-state not-for-profit organizations and 2 were hospital-based. All 17 organizations collect whole blood, 16 collect platelets, 12 collect plasma and 7 collect combinations of blood products. The majority (nine) indicated they do not collect enough to meet national demand and are thus (partially) dependent on plasma from other countries. CONCLUSION: While blood establishments currently employ a broad portfolio of strategies, varying and targeted content and different media and channels to reach their audiences, there is very limited data and knowledge available on the evaluation, effectiveness and impact of these strategies.