Increasing the Number of Umbilical Cord Blood and Stem Cell Donations

Nearly 95% of all stem cells from umbilical cords and placentas from live births become medical waste. There is a need for this type of stem cell for research and a variety of established and experimental treatments. The purpose of this project was to increase the number of umbilical cord blood stem cell donations by increasing awareness and knowledge of the process and need. The project included using a pre survey to assess provider's knowledge, perceived barriers, and comfort level for initiating a conversation about stem cell donation with expectant parents. Based of the pre survey results, education was developed to address knowledge and barriers identified in the survey.The educational powerpoint presentation was given to providers during their staff meetings. Included in the presentation was information regarding umbilical cord donation process, current research, and resources available to providers and expectant parents. A follow survey was given to assess if the education increased the number of conversations between providers and patients to determine the success of addressing identified barriers. The project showed a statistically significant increase in provider knowledge regarding facilities and resources, as well as comfort level related to the stem cell donation process with a pre-survey mean of 2.82 ± .87, and post implementation survey with a mean of 1.73 ±.79 (Figure 1). The largest and most statistically significant increase was with the number of conversations providers had with expectant parents monthly regarding stem cell donations with a pre-survey with a mean of 2.36 ± .65, to a post- survey with a mean of 2.36 ± .92 (Figure 3). To help increase the amount of stem cells donated, providers need to be educated on the process and the uses of stem cells. The study demonstrated that education does increase the number of conversations providers have with expectant parents.This will likely lead to an increase in donations, which are needed for research and various treatments. Increasing the Number of Umbilical Cord Blood and Stem Cell Donations