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Authors

Carley N Gemelli, Sarah P Kruse, Amanda Thijsen, Nina Van Dyke, Surendra Karki, Tanya E Davison

Abstract

Background

Providing educational materials to deferred donors has been shown to increase their understanding about their deferral and knowledge about their return. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of educational materials in increasing the retention of deferred donors.

Study Design and Methods

A three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted, with the following conditions: (a) Incenter Brochure plus Email; (b) Email Only; (c) Control. The Incenter Brochure plus Email condition also included a guided conversation led by staff at the point of deferral. Donors were followed up for 3 months after their deferral had ended to determine if they had attempted to donate.

Results

Compared with the Control condition, donors in the Incenter Brochure plus Email condition had increased odds of return at 3 months after their deferral ended (OR: 1.16; 95% CI 1.00–1.33). Subgroup analysis highlighted that novice (OR: 1.38; 95% CI 1.04–1.83) and established donors (OR: 1.36; 95% CI 1.13–1.64) had increased odds of return if they received the incenter materials. Donors who were deferred to maintain their well-being (OR: 1.28; 95% CI 1.03–1.60) and donors with a prior deferral history (OR: 1.55; 95% CI 1.15–1.55) had increased odds of return if they received the incenter materials. No significant differences were found between the Email Only and Control conditions.

Discussion

This trial demonstrates the benefits of providing onsite educational materials to donors at the point of deferral. This is a simple, effective strategy to increase the return behavior of donors within 3 months of their deferral ending.

Publish Date / Last Revised
May 22, 2022
Resource Type
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