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Journal article : Review

The efficacy of interactive communication interventions for motivating blood donation: a systematic review

Abstract:
Background and Objectives
The global blood product shortage is a persistent problem that urgently needs addressing. Research has investigated the effects of incentives, different interventions, and different modes of communication on promoting blood donation, yet there has been no systematic review comparing interactive communication-based interventions. Identifying effective methods to recruit and retain blood donors could inform future intervention design and improve resource allocation, thereby reducing strain on blood-product supply.
Materials and Methods
This review brings together relevant literature found on Medline, CENTRAL, Embase and PsychINFO, to address the questions: "What are the most effective interaction interventions for promoting blood donation?" and "Are these different between encouraging first time and returning blood donors?". A total of 35 studies were included in this review.
Results
Overall, the quality of research into communication-based interventions was poor, with several studies lacking sufficient detail to make clear conclusions. Evidence for three common interventions (phone calls, educational sessions, and motivational interviews) was conflicting. Additionally, there was limited research into web-based interventions and recruitment of first-time donors.
Conclusion
Reporting of communication interventions for blood donation could be improved, and our review suggests a more heterogeneous approach to donor recruitment may be advantageous.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Files:
Publisher copy:
10.1111/vox.70263

Authors

More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Department:
Primary Care Health Sciences
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0002-8961-9365
More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Department:
Primary Care Health Sciences
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0001-9499-1471


More from this funder
Funder identifier:
https://ror.org/0302b4677
Grant:
SRG2223\230347


Publisher:
Wiley
Journal:
Vox Sanguinis More from this journal
Publication date:
2026-04-12
Acceptance date:
2026-03-17
DOI:
EISSN:
1423-0410
ISSN:
0042-9007


Language:
English
Keywords:
Subtype:
Review
Pubs id:
2390943
Local pid:
pubs:2390943
Deposit date:
2026-03-18
ARK identifier:

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