Examining knowledge translation in blood donor research: A review of vasovagal reaction literature

Abstract

Background Knowledge translation focuses on the transfer of research findings into policy and practice. To provide insight into the state of knowledge translation in blood donor research, we undertook a rapid review of a key research area in the field with high potential for translation, vasovagal reactions (VVRs). We examined the number and nature of VVR‐related studies to determine the availability of research evidence, and mapped the included articles along the research‐to‐practice trajectory using the Knowledge to Action framework. Study Design and Methods PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and EMBASE were searched for peer‐reviewed journal articles from inception to October 2019 using the terms blood don* AND vasovagal OR faint* OR syncope. Results A total of 176 articles met our inclusion criteria. Studies relating to VVRs increased substantially from 1942 to 2019, with 84% published in the last 20 years. Articles were predominately observation (non‐intervention) studies (117; 66%), followed by intervention (knowledge inquiry) studies (31; 18%) and review (knowledge synthesis) studies (20; 11%). The evidence from intervention research was limited, with 14 strategies tested in 31 studies and often by the same research groups. Only 5 (3%) implementation and evaluation studies were found; all focused on evaluating the effects of a newly introduced intervention on VVR rates through uncontrolled or cross‐sectional study designs. Discussion VVR research is in the early stages of knowledge translation. More intervention research is needed to provide a robust evidence base as well as more published implementation research to share knowledge of translating research into policy and practice.

Researchers’ views on and practices of knowledge translation: an international survey of transfusion medicine researchers

“…This suggests that providing KT training to transfusion medicine researchers may be an effective strategy to increase KT in this area. Whilst this difference may be attributed to researchers with an interest in KT undergoing training, many of our surveyed sample identi ed that they would like to have access to KT education and training (23).…”

“…Data were collected and managed using REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted at The University of Sydney. Participants were recruited through ve main strategies using a combination of direct emails to corresponding authors of published articles in well-known transfusion medicine journals and grant recipients of research relating to transfusion medicine (n = 1645), distribution via an international blood operator network, and public social media posts in May 2022, with details published elsewhere (23). Participants were excluded from participating in the study if they indicated in the screening question that they did not spend any of their working time on research activities.…”

“…Research conducted in this area is driven by gaps in knowledge and operational need, and researchers can be based in an applied setting, such as a blood collection agency or a hospital, and/or an academic setting, such as a university or research institute (20). Whilst this is a comparatively young eld of health-related research, there is some evidence of KT practices in transfusion medicine (22). This study is the rst to our knowledge to examine researchers' KT activities in the area of transfusion medicine.…”

Experiences of knowledge translation among researchers in transfusion medicine: Findings from an international survey study

“…A recent review of vasovagal reaction literature showed that KT is in the early stages in this research area, with few studies published on the implementation or evaluation of evidence-based strategies in practice. 11 Failure to translate knowledge gained from research can result in missed opportunities to optimize transfusion medicine policies and practices informed by current evidence. For example, incorporating strategies that have been found to minimize donor risk of vasovagal reactions can increase the number of completed collections, increase the size of the donor panel by preventing donor lapse, reduce donor risk of injury, and reduce costs to the blood collection agency due to preventing product waste, staff time, and efforts to maintain the donor panel.…”

“…The field of transfusion medicine does not appear to be immune to this problem. A recent review of vasovagal reaction literature showed that KT is in the early stages in this research area, with few studies published on the implementation or evaluation of evidence‐based strategies in practice 11 . Failure to translate knowledge gained from research can result in missed opportunities to optimize transfusion medicine policies and practices informed by current evidence.…”