A first Volunteer Case Aid programme in a mental hospital. Revealing the voluntary helper's role of reality testing between staff and patients.
A pilot Voluntary Case Aid programme in an English Mental Hospital using National Health Service resources is described. The selection of ten volunteers and ten patients and the preparation of all personnel was followed by regular contacts for at least a year. Subsequent evaluation suggested high motivation with both Case Aids and patients. Changes towards improved social functioning were evident in most cases by the end of the project. A relationship starting, continuing and finishing is reported in detail and from this study it is clear that the volunteer was a reality tester for staff and patient alike, constructively disturbing and modifying their mutual projections. This was true of most of the Case Aid interventions and the implications are discussed. A method of group supervision for Case Aids is reported.
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006758:Hospital Volunteers; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011566:Psychiatric Aides / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012380:Role; D012917:Social Adjustment; D000078329:Workforce