Psychological issues in voluntary hospice care

BACKGROUND: 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. AIM: This study examined the psychological experiences of volunteer carers in a UK hospice. METHODS: 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. FINDINGS: 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.