title: Feasibility and acceptability of a volunteer-mediated diversional therapy program for older patients with cognitive impairment.
abstract: Understanding the perceptions of stakeholders is critical for determining acceptability and feasibility of volunteer-mediated programs. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability for staff, volunteers, patients and their carers, of a volunteer diversional therapy program for patients with cognitive impairment undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. Post-program structured interviews were conducted with the volunteers (n = 10), patients (n = 30) and their carers (n = 3); and nursing staff (n = 6) participated in a focus group. Thematic analysis identified five themes (values, attitudes, knowledge, purpose, support) in two dimensions (personal, team culture). Overall, patients, carers, staff and volunteers were satisfied with the volunteer program and perceived benefits for quality of care. Recommendations for improvements to the program related to staff engagement with the program and the volunteers' education and training. The volunteer diversional therapy pilot program for patients with cognitive impairment on a sub-acute ward was acceptable and feasible for patients, carers, staff and volunteers.
authors.affiliation: Ballarat Health Services, Victoria, Australia; Federation University Australia, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: annaw@bhs.org.au.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wong Shee
authors.affiliation: La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Bev
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.affiliation: School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dodd
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014838:Volunteers
keywords: Cognitive impairment; Elderly; Nursing; Rehabilitation; Volunteers