Efficacy of telephone and WeChat appointment for platelet apheresis donation during COVID-19 epidemic: a comparative study in Shijiazhuang / 中国输血杂志

ABSTRACT

【Objective】 To compare the platelet apheresis donation rate via telephone and WeChat appointment in Shijiazhuang area during the COVID-19 epidemic, so as to give suggestions for optimizing blood donation appointment in major public events. 【Methods】 The number and appointment type of apheresis donors from January to March 2019(the control) vs January to March 2020(study group 1) vs January to March 2021(study group2) in Shijiazhuang area were collected. A total of 1 204 and 1 305 questionnaires were distributed to two study groups to analyze their acceptance of telephone and WeChat appointment. 【Results】 More turnout donors preferred WeChat appointment, relative to telephone calls, during January to March 2020 and 2021. But some inactive donors preferred appointment given by telephone calls. 【Conclusion】 Different appointment methods should be adopted to recruit blood donors according to the targets of blood centers, in the event of national or local COVID-19 epidemic.