Volunteers in the OR waiting room

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Support Services
• Hospital Operations

Background:

• Operating room (OR) staff often face challenges in addressing the comprehensive needs of surgical patients and their families.
• Existing resources may be insufficient to provide holistic support during the perioperative period.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of utilizing trained volunteers as a resource for supporting surgical patients and their families.
• To identify the benefits of integrating volunteers into hospital waiting room services.

Main Methods:

• The study discusses the concept of using volunteers in hospital waiting rooms.
• It emphasizes the importance of specific training for volunteers, including support skills, confidentiality, and referral procedures.
• Proper orientation to hospital services is highlighted as crucial.

Main Results:

• Trained volunteers can effectively address the total needs of surgical patients and their families.
• Volunteers serve as a valuable adjunct to busy professional healthcare staff.

Conclusions:

• Integrating trained volunteers into hospital waiting rooms is a viable strategy to enhance patient and family support.
• Volunteers represent an underutilized resource that can improve the overall patient experience and alleviate staff burdens.