Publications by authors named "Kyle Rubini"

Article Synopsis
  • - The increasing global demand for plasma protein products has raised concerns in various countries that rely on imports, emphasizing the need for effective recruitment and retention strategies for diverse plasma donors to support local donation systems.
  • - A series of three systematic reviews will analyze existing qualitative and survey-based literature to identify barriers and enablers to source plasma donation and evaluate which strategies effectively encourage donation.
  • - The methodology includes searching multiple electronic databases for relevant studies, with a focus on different study designs, and will employ various analysis techniques, including meta-analyses, to synthesize findings across the reviews.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Researchers often use terminology to define their participant groups that is rooted in a clinical understanding of the group's shared identity(ies). Such naming often ignores the ways that the individuals who comprise these populations identify themselves. One oft-cited benefit of patient-oriented or community-engaged research is that language is local and relevant to impacted communities.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: In 2021, Canada implemented a pilot plasma program allowing some sexually active men who have sex with men (including but not limited to gay and bisexual men; gbMSM) to donate plasma. Changes to plasma donation policy could help address inequities in access to plasma donation and increase Canada's domestically collected plasma supply if more gbMSM donate as a result. We aimed to (1) examine views regarding plasma donation and the pilot program prior to implementation and (2) identify modifiable theory-informed predictors of gbMSM's intention to donate plasma.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Canada has incrementally reduced restrictions to blood and plasma donation that impact men who have sex with men, gay, bisexual, and queer men, and some Two Spirit, transgender and non-binary individuals (MSM/2SGBTQ+). Prior to the launch of a pilot program in 2021 enabling some MSM/2SGBTQ + to donate source plasma, we explored the acceptability of the program among individuals who could become eligible to donate in the program.

Methods: We invited men identifying as MSM/2SGBTQ + to participate in two consecutive semi-structured interviews to explore their views on blood and plasma donation policy, plasma donation, and the proposed Canadian plasma donation program.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • - Canadian Blood Services has revamped eligibility criteria to permit some sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) to donate source plasma, moving away from outdated time-based deferral rules.
  • - Interviews with donor center staff revealed three main themes: a struggle with the new criteria being seen as discriminatory, a desire to create positive experiences for gbMSM donors amidst concerns of potential backlash, and the need for thorough education and training on the criteria for both staff and donors.
  • - The findings highlight the need for effective training and clear communication to support staff and ensure a smoother transition to more inclusive donation practices, optimizing care for previously excluded donor groups.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Blood donation policy in Canada for gay, bisexual and other men who have had sex with men (gbMSM) has changed progressively in the last decade from indefinite deferral to 3-month deferral from last male-to-male sex. Driven by safety data and overseen by the national regulator, more inclusive policies continue to redress the disparity in donation for gbMSM. At the same time, the need for source plasma to prepare fractionated blood products is growing worldwide.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF