Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dynamics of a university hospital`s hemotherapy center

Abstract

Objective: describe threats and opportunities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic at the Pedro Ernesto University Hospital Hemotherapy Center. Method: descriptive study and quantification of blood donation candidates before (2015-2019) and after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic (March/2020) describing strategies to safeguard blood supply. Results: there was a 25% reduction in the number of donation candidates between March 2nd and 16th, 2020. The implementation of several promotional initiatives increased the donor per day average in March 2020 by 20%. There was a 24% increase in the number of donation candidates in March 2020 (n = 536) compared to March 2019 (n = 431). Conclusion: In the face of a new disease, of a pandemic character, we have more questions than answers. It is necessary that more centers share their strategies for guaranteeing blood in times of crisis.