Analysis of an information network

This study, performed in the Loire-Atlantique region, gives a full list of the positions responsible for the transfer of information and the methods o f implementation. It demonstrates that mobile blood collection units and nu merous blood donor associations, although in close contact with donors, rep resent the weak link in the information network. This weakness has its orig ins in a lack of communication with the central sources of information, and in the absence of participation in various projects. The study emphasizes the importance of communication in addition to the responsibilities of the members of the organization. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales E lsevier SAS.