Results from the national hospice volunteer training survey.
BACKGROUND
Although the role of volunteers is at the heart of hospice care, little is known about hospice volunteer training and volunteer activity.


METHODS
A survey was used to assess current training programs for hospice volunteers. Hospices were invited to participate in the study from a link on the website for the Hospice Volunteer Association and Hospice Educators Affirming Life Project.


RESULTS
Survey results revealed that the majority of volunteer work is in patient care, with most hospice agencies requiring a minimum 12-month volunteer commitment and an average 4-hour volunteer shift per week. Volunteer training is separate from staff training, is provided by paid agency staff, and costs approximately $14,303 per year.


CONCLUSIONS
Communication and family support are considered important curriculum topics. Revisions to current volunteer training curriculum and format are suggested.
Wittenberg-Lyles
Elaine
E
Department of Communication Studies, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203-5268, USA. lyles@unt.edu
Schneider
Greg
G
Oliver
Debra Parker
DP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006738:Hospices; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D008297:Male; D014481:United States; D014838:Volunteers / Q000193:education*; D055815:Young Adult