So even though I really liked working with the Pomodoro timer / physical prototyping I’ve decided to move forward in this Blog with the Blood donation App since it ties closer with my idea for my Master’s Thesis.
In this post I want to give a little bit of a summary about why blood donations are important and why we/ Austria struggle with having enough blood reserves.
In short
- Blood donation shortage; one is needed every 90 seconds (1,000 daily).
- Reduced donor participation due to the pandemic and summer vacations.
- Hospitals require more blood especially in summer (higher risk of injuries)
- Donations last a maximum of 42 days, requiring constant replenishment.
- Eligible doners: Ages 18 to 70, must meet health and legal criteria.
- Expanded to include intersex, non-binary, and some previously excluded individuals after assessment.
- Donation takes around 10 minutes
- Donation is about 465 ml of blood
Austria is currently facing a shortage of over 5,000 blood donations. Experts are stressing the urgent need for donations, urging all Austrians to show solidarity and donate blood, as each donation can save a life. Tanner noted that soldiers and civilian staff are leading by example in this initiative, with a total of 135 blood donation events planned across all nine federal states this year.
The demand for blood is constant, with a blood donation needed every 90 seconds for surgeries, emergency situations, and chronic illness care. The number of donations tends to drop significantly during the summer months due to vacations, even though the need remains high. New eligibility criteria introduced in June aim to enhance donor safety but may restrict donation frequency for some individuals. Therefore, the Red Cross emphasizes the importance of encouraging young people to donate blood. [1]
New regulations for blood donation in Austria have been introduced to enhance safety and increase donor eligibility. Despite the life-saving importance of blood donations, only 3.4% of the population donates regularly. As of early June, individuals are now allowed to donate less frequently—men can donate four times a year, while women can donate three times. This change is based on scientific findings that highlight the risk of iron deficiency from excessive donations.
The new rules have expanded the pool of eligible donors, allowing intersex, non-binary individuals, and those without gender designation to donate. Additionally, people who have previously had malaria or autoimmune diseases can now donate after a medical assessment, as they were previously excluded.
As summer approaches, the Red Cross is particularly urging potential donors to step forward, as the need for blood increases during this season due to a higher incidence of accidents. Blood has a limited shelf life of 42 days, making it essential to maintain a steady supply.
Donating blood not only helps others but also offers health benefits for the donor, as blood is tested, and individuals are notified if any issues are detected. [2]
How does a blood donation work?
The blood donation process begins with the decision to help others, followed by a visit to a donation center where potential donors complete a medical questionnaire. Medical assessments are conducted, including checking blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. The actual donation is quick, taking about 10 minutes, after which donors can relax and enjoy snacks and drinks. [3]
Next steps
I would like to analyze the various methods available for booking a blood donation appointment and assess the user-friendliness of the process. Additionally, I want to explore the motivations behind why individuals choose to donate blood, as well as the factors that deter them from doing so. It is important to consider whether the donation process is perceived as complicated or if there are accessibility issues that may hinder potential donors.
Sources
[1] https://www.derstandard.at/consent/tcf/story/3000000275687/kritische-lage-bei-blutspenden-5000-konserven-fehlen
[2] https://burgenland.orf.at/stories/3308213/
[3] https://www.roteskreuz.at/news/aktuelles/die-blutlagerstaende-sind-zu-niedrig
