What are the Emotional Experiences of Being a Volunteer in Palliative and End-of-Life Care Settings? A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis

Coleman, Helena; Walshe, Catherine

doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.02.025

Cited by 15 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 66 publications

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“…22 Volunteers themselves benefit from their volunteering activities reporting that it becomes a major part of their lives, 4 changing their own perspectives and values. [23][24][25] No data are yet available on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on volunteers and the role and service they provide to palliative and hospice services during this time. Effective use of volunteers is highlighted as a possible response to the pandemic, 26 with calls for mobilising and training a citizen volunteer workforce that is ready and able to connect with patients in need of basic social support.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prohibit, Protect, or Adapt? The Changing Role of Volunteers in Palliative and Hospice Care Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic. A Multinational Survey (Covpall)

Walshe

Garner

Dunleavy

et al. 2021

Int J Health Policy Manag

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Background: Volunteers are common within palliative care services, and provide support that enhances care quality. The support they provided, and any role changes, during the COVID-19 pandemic are unknown. The aim of this study is to understand volunteer deployment and activities within palliative care services, and to identify what may affect any changes in volunteer service provision, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Multi-national online survey disseminated via key stakeholders to specialist palliative care services, completed by lead clinicians. Data collected on volunteer roles, deployment, and changes in volunteer engagement. Analysis included descriptive statistics, a multivariable logistic regression, and analysis of free-text comments using a content analysis approach. Results: 458 respondents: 277 UK, 85 rest of Europe, and 95 rest of the world. 68.5% indicated volunteer use pre-COVID-19 across a number of roles (from 458): direct patient facing support (58.7%), indirect support (52.0%), back office (48.5%) and fundraising (45.6%). 11% had volunteers with COVID-19. Of those responding to a question on change in volunteer deployment (328 of 458) most (256/328, 78%) indicated less or much less use of volunteers. Less use of volunteers was associated with being an in-patient hospice, (OR=0.15, 95% CI = 0.07-0.3 p<.001). This reduction in volunteers was felt to protect potentially vulnerable volunteers, with policy changes preventing volunteer support. However, adapting was also seen where new roles were created, or existing roles pivoted to provide virtual support. Conclusion: Volunteers were mostly prevented from supporting many forms of palliative care which may have quality and safety implications given their previously central roles. Volunteer re-deployment plans are needed that take a more considered approach, using volunteers more flexibly to enhance care while ensuring safe working practices. Consideration needs to be given to widening the volunteer base away from those who may be considered to be most vulnerable to COVID-19.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prohibit, Protect, or Adapt? The Changing Role of Volunteers in Palliative and Hospice Care Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic. A Multinational Survey (Covpall)

Walshe

Garner

Dunleavy

et al. 2021

Int J Health Policy Manag

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View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Volunteering across a number of settings has positive impacts for the volunteer on areas such as mental health, life satisfaction and social interaction (16) (17). However, volunteering within palliative care can result in stressors including poor communication, lack of emotional support, feeling undervalued and the need for training (18) (17). Research has focused on personality characteristics of palliative care volunteers (19), the reasons for becoming a volunteer (20) (21) and consideration of improving and developing volunteers' roles (22).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Palliative care volunteers can have a positive impact on patients, their families and carers; with some studies showing higher satisfaction with more volunteer involvement (22). Due to the reliance on volunteers, research is needed to understand the experiences of volunteering in hospice and palliative care settings (17). This could help to retain and recruit into these roles, whilst creating more positive experiences for volunteers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…16 , 17 However, volunteering within palliative care can result in stressors including poor communication, lack of emotional support, feeling undervalued and the need for training. 17 , 18 Research has focussed on personality characteristics of palliative care volunteers, 19 the reasons for becoming a volunteer 20 , 21 and consideration of improving and developing volunteers’ roles. 22 This appears to be largely based on maximising the benefit of having volunteers in contrast to exploring the impact this role has on volunteers’ emotional well-being.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The impact on emotional well-being of being a palliative care volunteer: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

2021

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Background: Much palliative care provision relies on the support of volunteers. Attention is paid to the risks to professionals providing care, such as stress and burnout, but understanding if this is an issue for volunteers is little understood. It is important to understand the impact their role has on volunteers emotional well-being. Aim: To explore the experiences of palliative care volunteers and how the role impacted on their emotional well-being. Design: Interpretative phenomenological analysis, with data collected through semi-structured interviews. Setting/participants: Volunteers in patient-facing roles within palliative and end-of-life care services in the UK. Results: Volunteers ( n = 10) across three palliative and end-of-life care services. Four themes were developed: (1) it can be challenging; (2) it’s where I’m meant to be; (3) managing death; (4) the importance of connection. Challenges included frustrations and questioning themselves. Although difficult at times, volunteers expressed the importance of the role, doing well and that they benefitted too. They also had to manage death and discussed beliefs about life and death, acceptance and managing patients’ fears. Connection with the hospice, patients, staff and other volunteers was important, with a need for everyone to feel valued. Conclusions: Although there are psychosocial benefits for volunteers in their role, it is important to understand the challenges faced and consider ongoing support to help volunteers manage these challenges. This could be addressed through the consideration of coping mechanisms, further training and reflective practice for volunteers.

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Volunteers in Palliative Care

Candy,

Scott,

Low

et al. 2024

Textbook of Palliative Care

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What are the Emotional Experiences of Being a Volunteer in Palliative and End-of-Life Care Settings? A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis

Cited by 15 publications

References 66 publications

Prohibit, Protect, or Adapt? The Changing Role of Volunteers in Palliative and Hospice Care Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic. A Multinational Survey (Covpall)

Prohibit, Protect, or Adapt? The Changing Role of Volunteers in Palliative and Hospice Care Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic. A Multinational Survey (Covpall)

The impact on emotional well-being of being a palliative care volunteer: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Volunteers in Palliative Care

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