Understanding Platelet Donor Experience in Greece: Satisfaction Drivers, Service Gaps, and Implications for Service Design

This study was the first to evaluate platelet donor satisfaction in Greece, addressing a gap in patient experience research related to apheresis services. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 120 voluntary platelet donors recruited from five public hospital blood donation units in Attica between February and April 2025. Donor satisfaction was assessed using an adapted Greek version of the Blood Donor Satisfaction Questionnaire (BDSQ), which measures access/convenience, technical aspects, and interpersonal aspects of care. Overall satisfaction was high, with donors reporting the greatest satisfaction with interpersonal aspects, particularly staff politeness, respect, and attentiveness. Technical aspects, including hygiene, safety, and professional competence, were also rated positively. In contrast, access and convenience received only moderate ratings, with staff shortages, limited operating hours, and long waiting times identified as key sources of dissatisfaction. Repeat donors reported slightly higher satisfaction than first-time donors. Strong positive correlations among satisfaction dimensions underscored the holistic nature of donor experience. Overall, the findings highlight the need for targeted operational improvements to enhance service quality and support sustained platelet donor engagement.