Wednesday 20 November 2019

Article: Volunteers in a biography project with palliative care patients

This German study looked at the feasibility of training hospice volunteers in biography work.  The study evaluated the time required for training, co-ordination and supervision, outcomes, and risks, such as causing distress to patients or volunteers. Nine volunteers took part, completing questionnaires before the training and after the completion of biography work with a patient.  Patients provided positive feedback from the intervention.  For volunteers, it was personally rewarding.  There were no problems or negative experiences reported by either volunteers or patients.  The article records the interviews with volunteers before and after the training.

Hesse, M. 2019. Volunteers in a biography project with palliative care patients - a feasibility study.  BMC Palliative Care. 
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