The general objective of the current DOMAINE project is to achieve a safe and sufficient blood supply for all European citizens by establishing Good Donor Management practice in all Member States.

This objective correlates with Topic 2.1.2.4 of the Public Health work plan 2007 as the objective of this topic is ‘to promote the quality, safety and availability of blood and blood components used for therapeutic purposes associated with their collection, processing, distribution and use’. The Project will help to implement existing EU legislation, promote voluntary unpaid blood donations and achieve self-sufficiency within the EU. 
 

Specific objectives of the DOMAINE project 

• Analysing the existing blood donor management practice across the EU using a Survey, focusing on recruitment strategies, donor retention strategies, deferral procedures, and donor management especially focusing on patients requiring long-term transfusion therapy. The Survey will seek to identify European good practice.
  
  The Survey will be sent out to participants and blood establishments in Member States not involved as partner in the project. The International Federation of Blood donor Organisations (IFBDO) and the Thalassaemia International Federation will be asked to comment on (1) aspects of the blood donation process, and (2) the relation between blood establishments and the blood recipients. By analysing the existing blood donor management practice across the EU, the DOMAINE project will identify current guidelines, performance indicators and high risk activities for donor management in place.  

• Developing a Donor Management Manual for blood establishments that recommends European good practice regarding donor recruitment and retention strategies, deferral procedures, and management especially in relation to patients requiring long-term transfusion therapy.
  
  The Manual will serve as a toolkit that will facilitate the implementation across Europe of good practice. It will also include tools and examples of incentives to motivate future and current donors to become regular donors. Through both the public area and the member area of the DOMAINE website, specific suggestions and comments can be made, which will be taken into account during the construction phase of the Manual.  

• Testing the recommendations of the Manual on understanding and practicality. Several Project Participants will test the Manual on the above mentioned recommendations.
   
  Deliver the final Manual and distribute it to all participants. The recommendations and suggestions for enhancement of the draft Manual will be implemented. The Manual will then be translated and delivered among the participants.  

• Developing and establishing a Training Programme for using the Donor Management Manual. A training Programme will be developed to provide practical tools on how each blood establishment can best use the Manual to achieve optimal practice within its local context. Attention will be focused on including tools and examples of incentives to motivate future and current donors to become regular donors.  

• Providing trainer instructions. Instructing trainers who are equipped to distribute the Manual within their own country. Each project partner will delegate blood establishment professionals to participate in the Training Programme. These professionals will then be able to implement the Manual in their own country and, as such, achieve sustainability of optimal donor management practice.