Validation of selected donor-screening questions: structure, content, and comprehension

BACKGROUND: Donor questioning is an integral component of blood safety, des igned to identify and interdict: donors considered to be at elevated risk o f transfusion-transmissible infection. Questions are frequently added to th is screening procedure, but they are rarely evaluated for comprehension. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Seven American Red Cross blood donor history ques tions were selected for evaluation. Focus groups were conducted using indiv iduals from high school/college, church, business, and other sources, who h ad never donated blood. Both sexes and various age and racial groups were r epresented. The donation process and regulatory requirements or guidelines were explained. Participants were asked to consider 1) content, 2) clarity 3) likelihood of asking for more information, 4) suggestions for improvemen t, and 5) how a need for clarifying information would best be met. RESULTS: Constructive, helpful, and consistent comments obtained might be u tilized in revising questions. CONCLUSION: Focus group discussions can be useful in providing guidance for developing screening questions that can be easily understood.