Hispanic ethnicity,race and blood donation in the United States

summary The aim of this study was to assess the hypothesis that blood donation rates vary with Hispanic ethnicity (family origin in Spanish‐speaking countries) in addition to race in the United States. Lower blood donation rates have been reported among African Americans (AAs) compared with non‐Hispanic European Americans (EAs). Adequate published reports on donation rates are not available for Hispanic Americans (HAs). Using data from a 2002 national survey, which included 4923 men and 7600 women aged 15–44 years with complete data, we tested the hypothesis using weighted bivariate and multivariate statistics. Among men aged 25–44 years, the percentage [95% confidence limits (95% CL)] with a history of blood donation since 1985 was similar at ages 25–34 years (46%, 42–49) and 35–44 years (41%, 37–45). It was highest in non‐Hispanic EA (49%, 45–52%), intermediate in AA (35%, 30–40%) and lowest in HA (30%, 25–36%) (P < 0·001). Other variables significantly (P < 0·01) associated with history of blood donation in bivariate analyses were nativity (United States/other), education (<12/≥12 years), poverty (<200%/≥200% poverty limit) and married (yes/no). Variables that are not significantly associated were age, metropolitan residence (yes/no), receipt of public assistance (yes/no), current labour‐force participation (yes/no) and religion raised. Compared with non‐Hispanic EA, the adjusted odds ratios were essentially the same for Hispanics 0·66 (95% CL 0·47–0·92) and AAs 0·64 (95% CL 0·49–0·84). Only 34% of women had donated blood, but the association with race/ethnicity was similar. Similar patterns were also seen at ages 15–24 years. HAs and AAs have similar low blood donation rates compared with non‐Hispanic EAs. The difference is not explained by sociodemographic variables.     

Continued stabilization of blood collections and transfusions in the United States: Findings from the 2021 National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey

Background

National Blood Collection and Utilization Surveys (NBCUS) have reported decreases in U.S. blood collections and transfusions since 2008. The declines began to stabilize in 2015–2017, with a subsequent increase in transfusions in 2019. Data from the 2021 NBCUS were analyzed to understand the current dynamics of blood collection and use in the United States.

Methods

In March 2022, all community-based (53) and hospital-based (83) blood collection centers, a randomly selected 40% of transfusing hospitals performing 100–999 annual inpatient surgeries, and all transfusing hospitals performing ≥1000 annual inpatient surgeries were sent a 2021 NBCUS survey to ascertain blood collection and transfusion data. Responses were compiled, and national estimates were calculated for the number of units of blood and blood components collected, distributed, transfused, and outdated in 2021. Weighting and imputation were applied to account for non-responses and missing data, respectively.

Results

Survey response rates were 92.5% (49/53) for community-based blood centers, 74.7% (62/83) for hospital-based blood centers, and 76.3% (2102/2754) for transfusing hospitals. Overall, 11,784,000 (95% confidence interval [CI], 11,392,000–12,177,000) whole blood and apheresis red blood cell (RBC) units were collected in 2021, a 1.7% increase from 2019; 10,764,000 (95% CI, 10,357,000–11,171,000) whole blood-derived and apheresis RBC units were transfused, a 0.8% decrease. Total platelet units distributed increased by 0.8%; platelet units transfused decreased by 3.0%; plasma units distributed increased by 16.2%; and plasma units transfused increased by 1.4%.

Discussion

The 2021 NBCUS findings demonstrate a stabilization in U.S. blood collections and transfusions, suggesting a plateau has been reached for both.     

Including the patient in patient blood management: Development and assessment of an educational animation tool

Background

Patient blood management (PBM) programs are effective at reducing transfusion-associated mortality and morbidity; however, patient engagement within the realm of PBM remains relatively unstudied. Our objectives were to develop a novel educational tool utilizing animation to educate preoperative patients about anemia and to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention.

Study Design and Methods

We created a patient-facing animation for preoperative surgical patients. The animation addressed characters' health journeys from diagnosis to treatment, addressing the role of PBM. We utilized the concept of patient activation as a means to empower patients, and developed the animation to be as accessible as possible. Post-viewing, patients provided feedback utilizing an electronic survey.

Results

A final version of the animation can be found here: https://vimeo.com/495857315 . A total of 51 participants viewed our animation, the majority of whom were planned to undergo joint replacement or cardiac surgery. Almost all (94%, N = 4) agreed that taking an active role in their health was the most important factor in determining their ability to function. The video was felt to be easy to understand (96%, N = 49), and 92% (N = 47) agreed that they had a better understanding of anemia and its treatment. After watching the animation, patients felt more certain that they could follow through with their PBM plan (98%, N = 50).

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, there are no other PBM-specific patient education animations. Patients enjoyed learning about PBM though animation, and patient education may lead to better uptake of PBM interventions. We hope that other hospitals will be inspired to pursue this approach.     

新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情对天津市无偿献血的影响及其对策

目的 分析新型冠状病毒肺炎(以下简称新冠肺炎)疫情对天津市无偿献血的影响.方法 回顾性分析该市2020年无偿献血人次及献血量,并与2019年献血情况进行对比;分析2020年春节前后及2019年同期的献血情况.结果 2020年捐献全血和单采血小板的总人次较2019年均下降13.03％,献血量分别下降17.60％、10.37％.2020年与2019年春节期间捐献全血和单采血小板的人次和献血量均明显下降,但2020年献血情况持续受疫情影响.2020年1-6月全血和单采血小板的献血情况较2019年同期下降较为明显,2020年7-12月的献血情况好转,与2019年同期差距减小.结论 新冠肺炎疫情对无偿献血工作提出严峻考验.常态化疫情防控期间,分析研判疫情对无偿献血工作的影响,有利于制订更有效的预防措施抗击疫情,保障临床用血.     

Impacts and challenges of United States medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic

The delivery of medical student education has changed rapidly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Students in their pre-clinical years have transitioned to online courses and examinations. Students in their clinical years are not permitted on clinical rotations, and face uncertainties in career exploration and the residency application process. Medical students in all stages of training are volunteering and helping their communities. The future presence of COVID-19 throughout the United States is unknown, and medical students are eager to return to their training. This paper outlines current challenges in medical student education and the various responses that have been adopted. We also discuss possible future directions for students through involvement in telemedicine, outpatient clinic visits, and non-respiratory inpatient care tasks as adequate personal protective equipment, COVID-19 testing, and resources become more widely available.     

新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情防控期间无偿献血的防护方案

新型冠状病毒肺炎(COVID-19)的暴发和流行,给医疗机构的采供血和血液的安全保障提出了更高的要求。因此,中国人民解放军长海血站制定疫情防控期间无偿献血的防护方案。根据新型冠状病毒(SARS-CoV-2)的相关特性,即潜伏期较长、感染症状多样且隐匿、飞沫及接触传播为主要传播途径,对献血者及工作人员采取必要的防护措施、对献血场所进行合理消毒,降低交叉感染的风险。增加对献血者回访、对采集血液实施14 d“隔离”,将病毒经输血传播的风险降到最低。