Applied tension may help retain donors who are ambivalent about needles

Predicting Vasovagal Reactions to Needles from Facial Action Units

BACKGROUND

Merely the sight of needles can cause extreme emotional and physical (vasovagal) reactions (VVRs). However, needle fear and VVRs are not easy to measure nor prevent as they are automatic and difficult to self-report. This study aims to investigate whether a blood donors' unconscious facial microexpressions in the waiting room, prior to actual blood donation, can be used to predict who will experience a VVR later, during the donation.

METHODS

The presence and intensity of 17 facial action units were extracted from video recordings of 227 blood donors and were used to classify low and high VVR levels using machine-learning algorithms. We included three groups of blood donors as follows: (1) a control group, who had never experienced a VVR in the past (n = 81); (2) a 'sensitive' group, who experienced a VVR at their last donation (n = 51); and (3) new donors, who are at increased risk of experiencing a VVR (n = 95).

RESULTS

The model performed very well, with an F1 (=the weighted average of precision and recall) score of 0.82. The most predictive feature was the intensity of facial action units in the eye regions.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that it is possible to predict who will experience a vasovagal response during blood donation through facial microexpression analyses prior to donation.

Counter pressure maneuvers for syncope prevention: A semi-systematic review and meta-analysis

Physical counter pressure maneuvers (CPM) are movements that are recommended to delay or prevent syncope (fainting) by recruiting the skeletal muscle pump to augment cardiovascular control. However, these recommendations are largely based on theoretical benefit, with limited data evaluating the efficacy of CPM to prevent syncope in the real-world setting. We conducted a semi-systematic literature review and meta-analysis to assess CPM efficacy, identify literature gaps, and highlight future research needs. Articles were identified through a literature search (PubMed, April 2022) of peer-reviewed publications evaluating the use of counter pressure or other lower body maneuvers to prevent syncope. Two team members independently screened records for inclusion and extracted data. From 476 unique records identified by the search, 45 met inclusion criteria. Articles considered various syncopal conditions (vasovagal = 12, orthostatic hypotension = 8, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome = 1, familial dysautonomia = 2, spinal cord injury = 1, blood donation = 10, healthy controls = 11). Maneuvers assessed included hand gripping, leg fidgeting, stepping, tiptoeing, marching, calf raises, postural sway, tensing (upper, lower, whole body), leg crossing, squatting, “crash” position, and bending foreword. CPM were assessed in laboratory-based studies (N = 28), the community setting (N = 4), both laboratory and community settings (N = 3), and during blood donation (N = 10). CPM improved standing systolic blood pressure (+ 14.8 ± 0.6 mmHg, p < 0.001) and heart rate (+ 1.4 ± 0.5 bpm, p = 0.006), however, responses of total peripheral resistance, stroke volume, or cerebral blood flow were not widely documented. Most patients experienced symptom improvement following CPM use (laboratory: 60 ± 4%, community: 72 ± 9%). The most prominent barrier to employing CPM in daily living was the inability to recognize an impending faint. Patterns of postural sway may also recruit the skeletal muscle pump to enhance cardiovascular control, and its potential as a discrete, proactive CPM needs further evaluation. Physical CPM were successful in improving syncopal symptoms and producing cardiovascular responses that may bolster against syncope; however, practical limitations may restrict applicability for use in daily living.

Prevention of Blood Donation-related Vasovagal Response by Applied Muscle Tension: a Meta-analysis

Objective

Vasovagal reaction (VVR) is an adverse reaction to blood donation. Applied muscle tension (AMT) has been reported to reduce the probability of VVR during blood donation; however, the results have been controversial. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the effect of AMT in reducing VVR.

Methods

We searched six major databases using “applied muscle tension” and “blood donation-related vasovagal response” as keywords. Relevant articles published in English or Chinese between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2021 were included in the analysis. The quality of the included articles was evaluated and publication bias was assessed by forest and funnel plots and by Egger's test.

Results

Fifty-one articles were identified, of which six were included according to the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A fixed-effects model was adopted for effect size combination and revealed a relative risk of 0.52 (95% confidence interval 0.40 to 0.67). The AMT group was superior to the control in terms of VVR prevention. A funnel plot and Egger's test suggested that the findings were accurate and reliable with low publication bias.

Conclusion

AMT could effectively reduce VVR during blood donation. Further multicenter studies with large sample sizes are needed to confirm these results.

On consciousness of the decision to discontinue blood donation: Intention to return and effective recovery activities

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to (1) explore the consciousness of blood donors' decision to stop donating blood, (2) analyse the association with the donors' intention to return to blood donation and the various reasons for discontinuation, and (3) identify effective activities for the recovery of donors who are no longer donating blood.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Survey data of former German blood donors who did not donate blood for >36 months were collected (n = 1263). The data were analysed using multivariate linear regression and mediation analyses.

RESULTS

This study provides new insights into the consciousness of blood donors' decision to stop donating blood. Former blood donors may be located at distinct stages of consciousness about their decision of discontinuation. The results indicate that 44.9% of the former blood donors did not consciously decide to stop blood donation. Of the lapsed donors, 16.9% decided consciously and 18.2% were in between. Furthermore, 25.2% of the respondents who did not consciously decide to stop donating blood were willing to restart the same. The most effective activities for recovery are more flexible donation hours (29.1%), appointment-scheduling online (24.8%), and sending out reminders (18.1%).

CONCLUSION

Addressing unconsciously lapsed donors is promising. Blood donation service providers should implement measures that support busy people; such measures may include appointment scheduling or pause-options. The implementation of a systematic recovery management, entailing an analysis of the decision to discontinue blood donation with subsequent segmentation is advisable. This can help to foster individualised communication with blood donors.

Predicting vasovagal reactions to a virtual blood donation using facial image analysis

Background

People with needle fear experience not only anxiety and stress but also vasovagal reactions (VVR), including nausea, dizziness, sweating, pallor changes, or even fainting. However, the mechanism behind needle fear and the VVR response are not yet well understood. The aim of our study was to explore whether fluctuations in facial temperature in several facial regions are related to the level of experienced vasovagal reactions, in a simulated blood donation.

Study design and methods

We recruited 45 students at Tilburg University and filmed them throughout a virtual blood donation procedure using an Infrared Thermal Imaging (ITI) camera. Participants reported their fear of needles and level of experienced vasovagal reactions. ITI data pre‐processing was completed on each video frame by detecting facial landmarks and image alignment before extracting the mean temperature from the six regions of interest.

Results

Temperatures of the chin and left and right cheek areas increased during the virtual blood donation. Mixed‐effects linear regression showed a significant association between self‐reported vasovagal reactions and temperature fluctuations in the area below the nose.

Discussion

Our results suggest that the area below the nose may be an interesting target for measuring vasovagal reactions using video imaging techniques. This is the first in a line of studies, which assess whether it is possible to automatically detect levels of fear and vasovagal reactions using facial imaging, from which the development of e‐health solutions and interventions can benefit.

Evaluation of efficacy of Valsalva for attenuating needle puncture pain in first time nonremunerated voluntary plateletpheresis donors: A prospective, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND:

Plateletpheresis is generally safe but may have adverse reactions. Adverse reactions can negatively influence donor recruitment and retention. Valsalva is a proven method of attenuating pain caused by venipuncture.

AIMS:

The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of the Valsalva maneuver on the attenuation of needle pain and donor anxiety.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN:

This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted between November 2015 and April 2016 at the Department of Transfusion Medicine.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

One-hundred and sixty consecutive donors were grouped into control group (C) and Valsalva group (V) each of sample size 80. The Valsalva group performed a Valsalva maneuver and control did nothing before the venipuncture. Anxiety and pain were scored using a 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS). Severity was graded as VAS = 0 defines no pain and anxiety, VAS = 1–3 as mild pain and anxiety, VAS = 4–6 as moderate pain and anxiety, VAS = 7–9 as severe pain and anxiety, whereas VAS = 10 denotes extreme pain and anxiety.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:

Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 23 was used for analysis. Independent samples t-test/Mann–Whitney U-test was used to compare between treatment and control group, whereas the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to test the difference between pre- and postobservations.

RESULTS:

In the Valsalva group, post-Valsalva anxiety levels were significantly reduced to (1 [0–2]) from their pre-Valsalva values of (2 [0–3]); (P < 0.001). Pain was significantly lower (2[1-2]) in Valsalva group compared to control (4[2–5]); (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Valsalva reduced both severity of venipuncture pain and anxiety. Valsalva can be performed by donors as it is an easy, painless, and nonpharmacological method of pain and anxiety attenuation.

Estimating the risk of blood donation fainting for self versus others: the moderating effect of fear

BACKGROUND

People overestimate the likelihood that blood donors will experience faint and prefaint reactions, particularly if they are themselves fearful of having blood drawn. This study investigated the influence of making a risk assessment for oneself versus others, and examined whether providing information about the low base rates of reactions affected donation attitude, anxiety, and intention.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

An anonymous online survey was completed by 3702 individuals (53.9% female; mean age, 36.9 years; standard deviation, 12.1 years; range, 18-84) that included questions about fear of having blood drawn and estimation of the risk of donation-related faint and prefaint symptoms for themselves and others. A random one-half of the respondents received accurate information about the proportion of whole blood donors who experience such reactions before all participants completed questions concerning their donation attitude, anxiety, and intention.

RESULTS

Estimates of both faint and prefaint reactions revealed a pattern of lower perceived risk for self versus others among individuals with low fear, and higher perceived risk for self versus others among those with high fear. Provision of accurate information about risk of reactions was associated with more positive donation attitudes (F[1, 3692] = 8.182, p = 0.004) and intentions (F[1, 3692] = 10.137, p = 0.001) but did not significantly affect anxiety.

CONCLUSION

Donation-related fear is associated with inflated expectancies of adverse events, especially regarding oneself. Such fear may be particularly important to address, as it has both a direct and indirect negative effect on donor retention.

Interventions for Individuals With High Levels of Needle Fear: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Quasi-Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of exposure-based psychological and physical interventions for the management of high levels of needle fear and/or phobia and fainting in children and adults.

DESIGN/METHODS

A systematic review identified relevant randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials of children, adults, or both with high levels of needle fear, including phobia (if not available, then populations with other specific phobias were included). Critically important outcomes were self-reported fear specific to the feared situation and stimulus (psychological interventions) or fainting (applied muscle tension). Data were pooled using standardized mean difference (SMD) or relative risk with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

The systematic review included 11 trials. In vivo exposure-based therapy for children 7 years and above showed benefit on specific fear (n=234; SMD: -1.71 [95% CI: -2.72, -0.7]). In vivo exposure-based therapy with adults reduced fear of needles posttreatment (n=20; SMD: -1.09 [-2.04, -0.14]) but not at 1-year follow-up (n=20; SMD: -0.28 [-1.16, 0.6]). Compared with single session, a benefit was observed for multiple sessions of exposure-based therapy posttreatment (n=93; SMD: -0.66 [-1.08, -0.24]) but not after 1 year (n=83; SMD: -0.37 [-0.87, 0.13]). Non in vivo e.g., imaginal exposure-based therapy in children reduced specific fear posttreatment (n=41; SMD: -0.88 [-1.7, -0.05]) and at 3 months (n=24; SMD: -0.89 [-1.73, -0.04]). Non in vivo exposure-based therapy for adults showed benefit on specific fear (n=68; SMD: -0.62 [-1.11, -0.14]) but not procedural fear (n=17; SMD: 0.18 [-0.87, 1.23]). Applied tension showed benefit on fainting posttreatment (n=20; SMD: -1.16 [-2.12, -0.19]) and after 1 year (n=20; SMD: -0.97 [-1.91, -0.03]) compared with exposure alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure-based psychological interventions and applied muscle tension show evidence of benefit in the reduction of fear in pediatric and adult populations.

Management of young blood donors

The emphasis on high-school blood drives and acceptance of 16-year-old blood donors led to more research on physiologic and psychological ways to decrease vasovagal reaction rates in young blood donors and to increase donor retention. Research on how to accomplish this has been advantageous for the blood collection industry and blood donors. This review discussed the current situation and what can be done psychologically, physiologically, and via process improvements to decrease vasovagal reaction rates and increase donor retention. The donation process can be significantly improved. Future interventions may include more dietary salt, a shorter muscle tension program to make it more feasible, recommendations for post-donation muscle tension / squatting / laying down for lightheadedness, more donor education by the staff at the collection site, more staff attention to donors with fear or higher risk for a vasovagal reaction (e.g. estimated blood volume near 3.5 l, first-time donor), and a more focused donation process to ensure a pleasant and safer procedure.

Identifying belief targets to increase bone marrow registry participation among students who have never donated blood

New members on bone marrow registries worldwide are needed to allow sufficient diversity in the donor pool to meet patient needs. We used the theory of planned behaviour belief-basis and surveyed students who had not donated blood previously (i.e. non-donors) (N = 150) about the behavioural, normative, and control beliefs informing their intentions to join the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Key beliefs predicting non-donors' intentions included: viewing bone marrow donation as an invasion of the body (β = -.35), normative support from parents (β = .40), anticipating pain/side effects from giving blood (β = -.27), and lack of knowledge about how to register (β = -.30). Few non-donors endorsed these beliefs, suggesting they are ideal targets for change in strategies encouraging bone marrow donor registration.

Donor anxiety, needle pain, and syncopal reactions combine to determine retention: a path analysis of two-year donor return data

BACKGROUND

Efforts to expand the donor pool by recruiting younger donors have resulted in higher numbers of initial donations, but retention of young donors continues to be challenging.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Path analysis was used to examine the simultaneous relationships among syncopal reactions, donation anxiety, needle pain, donor satisfaction, and donation intention in predicting repeat donation. Participants included 421 first- and second-time donors recruited for a study comparing the effects of predonation water loading with and without the use of applied muscle tension during donation (52% female, 60.8% first-time donor, mean age 20.3 years). For this longitudinal follow-up study, donor database records were accessed 2 years after the index donation to assess repeat donation.

RESULTS

Results of a series of path analyses demonstrated the influential role of donor anxiety in shaping donor retention (final model χ(2) = 35.75, root mean square error of approximation 0.03, comparative fit index 0.98, weighted root mean square residual 0.74). First, anxiety exerted a direct negative influence on donation intention, the proximal and sole direct predictor of repeat donation. Second, anxiety increased the likelihood of donor-reported needle pain, adversely affecting donation satisfaction and, subsequently, donation intention. Finally, anxiety was associated with donor ratings of syncopal reactions through its impact on needle pain, which also contributed to decreased donation intention.

CONCLUSION

These results provide novel evidence that donation anxiety plays a central role in shaping future donation behavior. Individual differences in anxiety must be considered when developing and testing strategies to enhance blood donor retention.