title: Using volunteers to support end-of-life care.
abstract: The role of volunteers in end-of-life care in the acute hospital setting is not widely established. This article reports on an innovative model of care using trained volunteers that was introduced at a Liverpool trust in 2012. The volunteers were to provide a listening ear, comfort and support for patients who were dying, their families and friends. A training programme was developed and reviewed, with views from volunteers, staff and relatives evaluated. Psychological support for the volunteers was regularly provided.
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bird
authors.forename: Gail
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bruen
authors.forename: Catriona
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mayland
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maden
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gent
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dilnot
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Raj
mesh_terms: D004739:England; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012944:Social Support; D019452:Terminally Ill / Q000523:psychology*; D014838:Volunteers