To be a trained and supported volunteer in palliative care – a phenomenological study

Abstract

BackgroundIt has been found that including volunteers in palliative care is a positive contribution to seriously ill patients. It is, however, recommended that the volunteers are trained and supported. The aim of this study was to describe a group of trained and supported volunteers’ lived experiences as volunteers in palliative care within the community health care services.MethodsThis study adopted a descriptive phenomenological approach featuring individual interviews with nine volunteers. The interviews were analysed using the descriptive phenomenological research method according to Giorgi.ResultsBeing a volunteer in palliative care was both a positive and meaningful experience. It was a privilege being able to help those in need, which yielded positive returns. As a volunteer, it was important to be present for the ill persons and to follow them in their various physical and psychical states, which also implied that the volunteer had to face and deal with challenging situations. However, volunteers stated it was crucial to possess knowledge and life experience, as well as a clarified role, and they stressed the importance of being followed up by a mentor.ConclusionsThe findings showed that trained and supported volunteers among seriously ill or dying people within the realm of community health care services play an independent and important role in the palliative care team. A coordinator in palliative care is especially suitable for training and supporting the volunteers.

A mixed-method evaluation of a volunteer navigation intervention for older persons living with chronic illness (Nav-CARE): findings from a knowledge translation study

“…They derived great satisfaction from listening and learning from clients, and from assisting clients in their transitions. This relational interaction is a significant motivation for volunteering in the literature [61,63]. Volunteers described the importance of engaging in both small talk and deeply sensitive topics, a finding that was also reported in the ELSA study [41].…”

“…In this study, volunteers indicated a need for further training and a desire to connect with other volunteers. Being part of a supportive community, and feeling well-prepared and mentored in their role is a critical part of volunteer satisfaction [61,62]. In a follow-up study in progress, we are now providing both monthly coaching sessions and ongoing education in various aspects of the volunteer role (e.g., grief, boundaries, healthcare literacy).…”

Process evaluation of a peer-led antenatal breastfeeding class for fathers: perceptions of facilitators and participants

“…While not previously explored in the context of breastfeeding, the experiences of peer supporters or volunteers have been explored within other contexts revealing rewards and challenges unique to their situation. A phenomenological study with nine Norwegian volunteers working in palliative care shared how their experience was regarded as positive, meaningful and a privilege [47]. Although these evaluations provide valuable information, it is difficult to draw direct parallels to our study due to the nature of the volunteer input in these differing contexts.…”

Retention of volunteers and factors influencing program performance of the Senior Care Volunteers Training Program in Jiangsu, China

“…Compared with developed countries, the status quo of "getting old before getting rich" in China makes it likely to face more fiscal pressures in relation to public systems of healthcare, pensions and social protection schemes for older persons [ 1 ]. Previous studies on elderly care services indicated that volunteers can supplement family members’ care and paid staff care [ 4 – 7 ]. The participation of trained volunteers in old-age care could also be beneficial for the delivery of caring knowledge to relatives and paid housekeepers of community seniors [ 8 ].…”