Through the Eyes of the Recipient: Navigating Transfusion Services Amidst COVID-19 in Multi-Transfused Thalassaemic Patients

COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in voluntary blood donations posing a risk of under-transfusion. This study aimed to evaluate and analyze the root causes of challenges from patients’ perspectives, helping blood centers achieve adequate blood supply during pandemics and catastrophes. The questionnaire included 15 questions, 10 of which were option-based. The first part collected demographic data and information on the type of blood component transfused. The second part evaluated the patient's thalassemia status, blood requirements, and how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their needs. A response was considered valid if 80% of questions were answered. 280 thalassemia patients responded to the questionnaire receiving regular blood transfusions. During the pandemic, 217 patients needed transfusions less than once a month, 33 (12.5%) saw a decrease in transfusion frequency due to fears of infection, lack of transportation, and reduced needs. However, 7 (2.65%) saw an increase in transfusion frequency. The waiting time for blood also increased for 63.88% patients, by less than two hours for most. COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted thalassemia patients' routine activities, with only 12.5% of patients experiencing reduced transfusion visits due to fear of infection and limited transportation services. Blood donations decreased, but reduced elective surgeries helped balance out. Workforce shortages at blood centers and pandemic management diversions caused delays for some patients. Looking into the past catastrophe from the perspective of the sufferers, especially in thalassemia patients, will enable the policy makers to prepare an organogram to intercept any such future setback.