Regional
The evolving role of registered nurses in blood collection service: extending primary and community care in Hong Kong
The role of registered nurses (RNs) in blood collection service is undergoing significant transformation, particularly within Hong Kong's healthcare landscape. While our blood collection nursing is not officially recognized as a nursing specialty locally, the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (HKRCBTS) has been proactive in enhancing this role, paving the way for its growth and development. With specialized training, RNs are equipped to assess donor health and identify suboptimal health status through a comprehensive health screening process. Although most blood donors are generally healthy, many are unaware of underlying health conditions and may not regularly access tertiary medical services. This creates a unique opportunity for our RNs to detect early health issues and educate donors about maintaining their health. However, the busy nature of blood collection settings often limits the feasibility of providing in-depth health education, especially on lifestyle modifications.
Recent demographic trends highlight the growing importance of middle-aged and elderly individuals as key contributors to the blood supply. Globally and in Hong Kong, the aging population has become increasingly vital, with relaxed eligibility criteria enabling more elderly individuals to donate. While this inclusivity helps stabilizing the blood supply, it also introduces challenges, as older donors may present with chronic conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipaemia, etc. Therefore, RNs must adapt their health assessment techniques to address these issues, ensuring donor safety and optimizing the donation process.
To further extend the role of RNs beyond the immediate scope of blood collection, the HKRCBTS has been actively exploring opportunities to collaborate with District Health Centers (DHCs) in Hong Kong. These centers are established to provide preventive care, health education, and chronic disease management to the community. Through this collaboration, RNs in blood collection services can refer donors with borderline or identified health risks—such as elevated blood pressure—to DHCs for follow-up care. This referral program serves as a vital bridge between blood donation and primary healthcare, ensuring that donors receive appropriate interventions to improve their overall health while maintaining the safety and reliability of the blood supply.
For example, a donor identified with elevated blood pressure during a donation session can be referred to a DHC for further assessment and participation in a hypertension management program. This collaboration not only enhances the health of individual donors but also fosters a more integrated approach to public health, aligning with broader healthcare objectives in Hong Kong.
In addition to health assessments and referrals, RNs has always been playing a critical role in enhancing public awareness about the importance of blood donation and fostering donor retention. Like many countries, blood collection service in Hong Kong faces challenges in maintaining a steady donor pool due to an aging population and fluctuating donor participation. RNs, with their close interaction with donors, are uniquely positioned to create a positive donor experience by addressing donor concerns, answering health-related questions, and promoting the benefits of regular donation. By building trustful relationships, RNs can encourage returning donors, thereby increasing retention rates and ensuring a stable blood supply. Furthermore, RNs can participate in community outreach programs to educate the public on the health benefits of donating blood, such as regular health monitoring, while dispelling common myths and fears associated with the process. By extending nursing services in blood collection to encompass primary and community care, as well as public engagement, HKRCBTS is addressing the dynamic needs of Hong Kong’s healthcare system. The evolving role of RNs reflects broader transformations in healthcare that prioritize donor safety, inclusivity, and community engagement. As RNs continue to adapt to the challenges posed by an aging donor population, their integration into community health initiatives and outreach efforts will help ensure the sustainability of blood collection services while promoting overall public health.
