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Validation of selected donor-screening questions: structure, content, and comprehension
S L Orton1, V J Virvos, A E Williams
1Jerome Holland Laboratory, American Red Cross, Rockville, Maryland, USA. ortons@usa.redcross.org
Transfusion
|December 2, 2000
Summary
Blood donor screening questions are crucial for safety but often lack comprehension checks. Focus groups revealed that feedback can improve the clarity of these vital questions for potential donors.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Medical Screening
- Blood Transfusion Safety
Background:
- Donor questioning is essential for blood safety, aiming to identify individuals at high risk for transfusion-transmissible infections.
- Screening questions are frequently updated, yet their comprehension by donors is seldom evaluated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the comprehension of existing blood donor history questions.
- To gather feedback for improving the clarity and effectiveness of donor screening procedures.
Main Methods:
- Seven American Red Cross blood donor history questions were selected for analysis.
- Focus groups were conducted with diverse individuals who had never donated blood.
- Participants provided feedback on question content, clarity, and potential areas for improvement.
Main Results:
- Focus group participants offered constructive and consistent comments regarding the donor history questions.
- The feedback received is valuable for revising and enhancing the screening questions.
Conclusions:
- Focus group discussions provide a practical method for improving the understandability of blood donor screening questions.
- Enhanced question clarity can lead to more effective donor screening and improved blood safety.