Elliott Gill, Umeh Kanayo
Liverpool John Moores University, School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool.
Br J Nurs. 2013;22(7):377-83. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2013.22.7.377.
Hospices require a multidisciplinary team of health workers to ensure that patients receive appropriate palliative care. One way to tackle this challenge has been to rely increasingly on volunteer carers. Recruiting and retaining volunteers requires some understanding of the psychological challenges (thoughts, emotions and actions) associated with voluntary care.
This study examined the psychological experiences of volunteer carers in a UK hospice.
The study employed a qualitative design. Nine voluntary careers in one UK hospice were interviewed about their experiences using a largely unstructured interview format. Data were analysed using a grounded theory protocol.
Five major themes emerged: motivation to volunteer, volunteering skills, psychological support and holistic care, positive perceptions of the hospice, and performance hindrances. The skills theme (reflecting abilities acquired from previous experience) was especially prominent. Overall, a model emerged suggesting that volunteers experience cognitive-affective-behavioural challenges involving themselves, patients and the work environment. Self-related challenges seem especially prominent. Implications for nursing care are considered.
临终关怀机构需要一支多学科的医护团队，以确保患者得到适当的姑息治疗。应对这一挑战的一种方法是越来越多地依靠志愿者护理人员。招募和留住志愿者需要对与志愿护理相关的心理挑战（思想、情感和行为）有所了解。
本研究调查了英国一家临终关怀机构中志愿者护理人员的心理体验。
本研究采用质性设计。对英国一家临终关怀机构的九名志愿者护理人员进行了访谈，采用的是基本无结构化的访谈形式。数据采用扎根理论方案进行分析。
出现了五个主要主题：志愿服务的动机、志愿服务技能、心理支持与整体护理、对临终关怀机构的积极看法以及绩效障碍。技能主题（反映从以往经验中获得的能力）尤为突出。总体而言，出现了一个模型，表明志愿者在涉及自身、患者和工作环境方面经历认知-情感-行为挑战。与自我相关的挑战似乎尤为突出。文中考虑了对护理工作的启示。
