How to Apply Positive Psychology in Transfusion Medicine

Positive psychology in transfusion medicine represents voluntarism, altruism, motivation and service above self. Blood transfusion depends largely on the awareness and willingness of blood donors. Within living history blood has been surrounded by mysticism and curiosity resulting in a scientific interest. Psychology has from the beginning plaid an important often not well recognized role. Analyzing the vein-to-vein chain of organizational and operational events of the blood supply and transfusion medicine, there are several elements which demonstrate an applied positive psychology. But there are still elements where all over the world, professionals and others involved follow obediently the herd, showing attitudes and using terminology towards the public and potential donors which do not generate positive psychology. These attitudes and terminologies have a negative effect on the processes and feelings towards the blood supply and in particular blood and plasma donation on a voluntary and non-remunerated basis making it difficult to create regular blood donation and have the donors built up a donor career, and keeping mysticism alife as Goethe made Dr. Faustus express: “Blut is ein ganz besonderer Saft”.