BACKGROUND: Although the role of volunteers is at the heart of hospice care, little is known about hospice volunteer training and volunteer activity. METHOD: A survey was used to assess current training programs for hospice volunteers. Hospices were invited to participate in the study from a link on the website for the Hospice Volunteer Association and Hospice Educators Affirming Life Project. RESULTS: Survey results revealed that the majority of volunteer work is in patient care, with most hospice agencies requiring a minimum 12-month volunteer commitment and an average 4-hour volunteer shift per week. Volunteer training is separate from staff training, is provided by paid agency staff, and costs approximately $14,303 per year. CONCLUSIONS: Communication and family support are considered important curriculum topics. Revisions to current volunteer training curriculum and format are suggested.
BACKGROUND: Although the role of volunteers is at the heart of hospice care, little is known about hospice volunteer training and volunteer activity. METHOD: A survey was used to assess current training programs for hospice volunteers. Hospices were invited to participate in the study from a link on the website for the Hospice Volunteer Association and Hospice Educators Affirming Life Project. RESULTS: Survey results revealed that the majority of volunteer work is in patient care, with most hospice agencies requiring a minimum 12-month volunteer commitment and an average 4-hour volunteer shift per week. Volunteer training is separate from staff training, is provided by paid agency staff, and costs approximately $14,303 per year. CONCLUSIONS: Communication and family support are considered important curriculum topics. Revisions to current volunteer training curriculum and format are suggested.
Authors: Tamsin McGlinchey; Stephen R Mason; Ruthmarijke Smeding; Anne Goosensen; Inmaculada Ruiz-Torreras; Dagny Faksvåg Haugen; Miša Bakan; John E Ellershaw Journal: Palliat Med Date: 2021-10-20 Impact factor: 4.762
Authors: Mohammad Reza Rouhollahi; Masoud Saghafinia; Kazem Zandehdel; Ali Ghanbari Motlagh; Ali Kazemian; Mohammad Ali Mohagheghi; Mamak Tahmasebi Journal: Indian J Palliat Care Date: 2015 Sep-Dec