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Lost in translation: Knowledge, attitudes and practices in donors experiencing a vasovagal reaction
Amanda Thijsen1, Angela King1, Daniel Waller1
1Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Background:
Vasovagal symptoms have implications for donor safety and retention. This study explored knowledge, attitudes and practices in donors experiencing a vasovagal reaction.
Materials And Methods:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with donors (n = 30) who experienced a donation-related vasovagal reaction.
Results:
Donors were unaware of applied muscle tension or fluid loading techniques despite availability of information. Some donors engaged in excessive pre-donation hydration. Procedural knowledge was limited for first-time plasma donors.
Discussion:
Future interventions should focus on adherence to pre-donation fluid loading and muscle tensing exercises during key donation time-points. Education for new plasma donors also appears important.
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