The European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) is researching the role and motivation of volunteers in hospice and palliative care in Europe.
This survey is part of that research and is carried out as a part of the work programme of the EAPC’s Task Force on Volunteering in Hospice and Palliative Care (co-chaired by Ros Scott and Leena Pelttari).
Volunteers are an essential part and constituent element of hospice work and palliative care. They make a unique contribution to the provision of care, can respond to the specific needs of patients and patients’ families and have a significant influence on several aspects of patients’ quality of life.
In spite of the volunteers’ central position and increasing relevance, until now only limited data exists concerning their role and internal motivation, as well as their activities, training and challenges.
A questionnaire (online version and pencil-paper version available) will be used to gather the information.
The survey is aimed at the board members of the national associations of hospice or palliative care as well as local champions, coordinators of volunteer services and volunteers in 53 different European countries.
You are cordially invited to participate in the survey if you are a volunteer or a volunteer coordinator yourself. You can access the online survey here.
The information obtained will be used to evaluate structures and requirements for volunteer work.
The data will also be used to identify differences between countries and will identify opportunities to improve practice, with an emphasis on practices that promote and support the expansion of volunteer work.
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