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Hospice volunteer programs: a proposed agenda.
The Hospice Journal
|January 5, 1986
Summary
Hospice volunteers offer vital support to terminally ill patients and families. This paper outlines a framework for enhancing hospice volunteer programs, covering recruitment, training, and evaluation for better patient care.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care and Gerontology
- Volunteer Management and Program Development
Background:
- Hospice services are expanding, with increasing reliance on volunteers for patient and family support.
- Limited research exists on the experiences and optimal development of hospice volunteer programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose an agenda for hospice volunteer program development and refinement.
- To outline consensus-based program criteria.
- To address key issues in volunteer screening, training, and performance.
- To highlight benefits of formal program structures and evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of emerging consensus on hospice volunteer program components.
- Proposal of a structured framework for program development, implementation, and evaluation.
Main Results:
- A proposed agenda for advancing hospice volunteer programs.
- Identification of essential program criteria and operational considerations.
- Emphasis on the importance of structured screening, training, and performance management.
Conclusions:
- Formalizing hospice volunteer programs through clear criteria, training, and evaluation enhances support for patients and families.
- Implementing structured program regulations and operations benefits both service recipients and healthcare providers.
- Further research and development in hospice volunteerism are crucial for optimizing end-of-life care.