The STRIDES study consists of blood cell data and linkage to electronic health records for 83,000 participants from the STRIDES BioResource.

Background and study aims The STRIDES study aimed to reduce adverse events related to blood donation by implementing variations on the current interventions. Reducing adverse events is likely to increase donor retention and therefore the number of blood units donated for NHS patients. The study included changes to the material read prior to donation, the drink consumed prior to donation and the advice given during and after the donation experience. All blood donors in England who attended a blood donation session during the study period anonymously participated, with the option to opt-out. The results from this study will help inform national policies that should optimise blood collection procedures, minimise donor reactions, improve donor return rates, and improve donor (and staff) well-being and satisfaction. In addition to the main study, 83,000 donors joined the STRIDES BioResource, part of the NIHR BioResource. The STRIDES BioResource aims to provide additional biological (blood samples) and questionnaire data to address the overall aims of the STRIDES study